Why should I watch..?

To see if either side can put behind them a week to forget.

Vics followed a hammering by Irlam in a league encounter with a disappointing display during a 2-1 reverse at Burscough in the Macron Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.

While they can no longer win a trophy, they will continue to target a top 10 finish in their first season playing at this level.

Barnton leaked 11 goals, and failed to score at the other end of the field, during home humblings by Squires Gate and then Abbey Hey.

That followed an encouraging performance in a 3-1 win at AFC Darwen last Saturday, when Chris Bandell scored a hat-trick.

An announcement last week that Vics would be ending their tenancy at Townfield after a single season – something that the Villagers say they didn’t expect after the clubs agreed in January to extend the arrangement – will add an edge too.

What they’ve said

“We’re down to the bare bones, mainly because of injuries, but I need to see a reaction from the players after their performance during the league cup defeat at Burscough on Tuesday.

“It’s that simple.”

Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager

“We don’t want to finish bottom of the table, and that’s what will motivate us during the remaining games this season.

“We’ll also use those matches to continue looking at players we feel may be able to make a mark in our side next year.”

Steve Lloyd, Barnton manager

Numbers game

Adam Farrand’s successful penalty for Abbey Hey on Saturday increased to 150 the number of goals Barnton have conceded in North West Counties League fixtures this season – that’s an average of almost four a game

Man to keep an eye on

Antony Shinks

Likely to be handed the keys to Vics’ defence with Kieron Kenny suspended and Brandon Barski a doubt due to injury.

His know-how, and calming influence, will be important for a side seeking to recover from the disappointment of a cup exit on Tuesday night.

Vics team news

Kieron Kenny serves a ban as punishment for his dismissal against Irlam last week.

Meanwhile defensive duo Brandon Barski and Daniel Johnson (both groin) are rated as doubtful, while striker Olly Walker has left for Australia where he will spend the summer working.

Adam Weston and Joe Whittington, both ineligible in midweek, return to the squad.

Front man Yaw Gyimah (knee) is a long-term injury absentee.

Form guide (past six in league)

Vics L W W L W L

Barnton L L W L L L

Previous meetings

Barnton 0-4 Vics (NWCFL Premier Division, December 26 2017)

Barnton 7-4 Vics (Mid Cheshire District FA Senior Cup, October 25 2017)

Vics 3-0 Barnton (Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup, November 23 2016)

Essential information

When Monday, April 2

Kick-off 3pm

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

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

Parking Limited at Memorial Hall next to ground entrance. Both clubs advise spectators use Barnton Library on Townfield Lane