Why should I watch..?

Northwich Victoria are making their FA Vase debut, and blocking their path to the next stage is an opponent stuffed with former Vics players.

Stockport Town play a level below, in the North West Counties League’s first division, although they have aspirations to challenge for promotion under Dave Wild .

He was appointed as first-team manager by the Tigers in January shortly after stepping down from his role as assistant to Adam Lakeland at Northwich.

Vics ended a sequence of three successive defeats in a 1-1 draw with Burscough last weekend, when an improved performance put behind them the disappointment of a 6-1 thrashing at Runcorn Town the previous Wednesday.

What they’ve said

“Stockport looked fit and sharp when I went to watch them.

“We’ll have to match their work-rate, and then be patient.

“It helps that we know so many of their players – and their flaws, of course – but that won’t make our task any less difficult.”

Paul Moore, Northwich Victoria co-manager

Numbers game

Vics haven’t kept a clean sheet in a competitive match since beating Carlton on March 25, a sequence of 16 matches in league and cup

Man to keep an eye on

Anthony Shinks

Following an encouraging first appearance during a 1-1 draw with Burscough last weekend, the defender comes up against one of the North West Counties League’s most prolific strikers in Ashley Stott.

The front man has six goals to his name already this season, and is the Tigers’ main attacking threat.

Vics team news

Paul Moore has reported he will have a full-strength squad to pick from, including recent recruit Anthony Shinks.

The defender made his debut in last weekend’s draw with Burscough.

Goalkeeper James Longdin has also been recruited to replace Richie Mottram following his return to North West Counties League rivals Widnes.

Familiar faces

Stockport boss Dave Wild was assistant to Adam Lakeland during his short tenure as manager.

He went back to his former club over the summer to secure the signings of Matty Clarke, Andy Fitzgerald, Dylan Forth and Dave Short.

Meanwhile Tyler Edwards, Jamie Hinchliffe and Dahrius Waldron all spent time with Vics last season too.

Form guide (past six in all competitions)

Vics D L L L W W

Stockport L W W D L W

Most recent meetings

None, this is the first time they have played each other in a competitive fixture

Essential information

When Friday, September 8

Kick off 7.45pm

Replay date Monday, September 11 (ko 7.45pm)

Prize money £500 (winning club); £175 (losing club)

Address Townfield, Townfield Lane, Barnton, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4LH

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (NUS/OAP) £4, Under 16s £2, Accompanied under 12s Free

Parking Strictly limited at the ground. Northwich Victoria advise spectators to use available spaces at Barnton Library and Barnton Primary School, both located on Townfield Lane.