Why should I watch..?

To see which of these two teams can snap a three-match losing streak.

Northwich Victoria inflicted the first of those on Hanley in a Macron League Cup clash last month, and the Potteries outfit has succumbed to both Widnes and 1874 Northwich without scoring since.

Steve Wilkes’ side followed that success with another at West Didsbury & Chorlton, only to suffer three straight losses since.

Neither side has played for the past fortnight and they will both be desperate to defend better than they have in previous outings during December.

What they’ve said

“We’ve shot ourselves in the foot with shocking defending in recent games, and I’ve made it clear to some individuals that I won’t be putting up with performances like the one we gave at Cammell Laird.

“Our target is to get back to winning ways as quickly as we can.”

Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager

Numbers game

Vics have scored every time they’ve played with Steve Wilkes as manager – a sequence of 16 matches in all competitions

Man to keep an eye on

Brandon Barski

Vics have kept only one clean-sheet – in a 2-0 win at Irlam in October – since Steve Wilkes took charge as manager.

The former Padiham boss has had to contend with a long list of injuries to defenders, although he hopes the addition of Barski can bring stability to the backline while he waits on Allen Weston’s fractured cheekbone to heal.

Vics team news

Goalkeeper Michael Donlon serves a one-match suspension following his dismissal in a Cheshire FA Senior Cup defeat at Cammell Laird earlier this month.

Youngster Aidan Whitehead, drafted in from Bamber Bridge, will take his place.

Attacker Yaw Gyimah is banned too, while defensive trio Allen Weston (fractured cheekbone), Antony Shinks (knee) and Reece Lyndon (ankle) are ruled out by injury.

Form guide (past six in league)

Vics L L W L W W

Hanley L L W W W W

Most recent meetings

Hanley 3-5 Vics (Macron League Cup, November 22 2017)

Hanley 3-0 Vics (NWCFL Premier Division, September 20 2017)

Essential information

When Saturday, December 23

Kick-off 3pm

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.