Why should I watch..?

Albion’s first home game since returning to the Northern Premier League’s top-flight will be a test of their relative strength against opponents that finished seventh last season, three points adrift of a play-offs place.

The teams did meet though in 2016, with Witton running out emphatic 3-0 winners during an FA Cup tie in September.

The Bucks were top of the Premier Division, and unbeaten, before arriving at Wincham Park.

They will be smarting too after losing 2-1 against promoted Lancaster in their opening game, while Carl Macauley’s men will attempt to build on a creditable 1-1 draw at Mickleover.

What they’ve said

“Buxton will come here and attack us.

“They’ve made some decent signings over the summer, and of course keeping hold of Liam Hardy is important for them.

“We have to make sure we match them, stay with them, in the same way we did during last season’s FA Cup tie.”

Carl Macauley, Witton Albion manager

“We know all about Witton and how good they are from playing them in the cup last season when they beat us.

“When you get promoted confidence grows, and more often than not teams that come up are well-equipped and able to hold their own and more a division higher.”

Martin McIntosh, Buxton manager

Numbers game

Witton have not beaten Buxton in a Northern Premier League fixture at Wincham Park since February 2009, drawing one and losing another two meetings since.

Man to keep an eye on

Alex Newby

A discrete debut at Mickleover, during which he earned a penalty from which Steven Tames gave Witton an early lead.

Was dangerous in possession and also diligent in defence when Albion were under pressure, making two important blocks before the break.

Started in a position vacated by now-departed Bradley Bauress on the left flank, but poses an altogether different threat with his ability to dribble.

Witton team news

Carl Macauley should have everybody available for Witton’s first home game since being promoted to the Northern Premier League’s top-flight.

That includes two new recruits; former Northwich Victoria midfielder Cesaire Lingouba and wide man Ben Greenop, who required international clearance to register following a brief spell in Wales with Bala.

Remember when…?

Witton tore into higher-ranked Buxon during an FA Cup first qualifying round encounter last season, running out comprehensive 3-0 winners.

They established a two-goal lead by the break after Bradley Bauress converted a penalty and Tom Owens’ shot was deflected past goalkeeper Jan Budtz by a defender.

Rob Hopley completed the scoring shortly after half-time.

Match report: here.

Northwich Guardian:

Karl Noon, left, and Tom Owens congratulate Bradley Bauress (wearing 11) after he converts a penalty to put Witton Albion in front during an FA Cup first qualifying round encounter with Buxton at Wincham Park last season. Picture: Paul Heaps

Most recent meetings

Witton 3-0 Buxton (FA Cup 1QR, September 3 2016)

Witton 1-1 Buxton (NPL Premier, January 17 2015)

Buxton 0-3 Witton (NPL Premier, November 25 2014)

Essential information

Kick off 7.45pm

Address Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

Admission Adults £10, Concessions (OAP/Students) £7, Under 18s £3, Members of HM Armed Forces Free

Parking Free at the ground