Why should I watch..?

Vics will have prompted an eyebrow or two to rise after returning from Padiham as convincing winners at the weekend.

The Storks were seventh last season, and considered an early barometer of the relegated side’s relative strength.

A home date with promoted City of Liverpool is likely to be an even sterner early test of a new-look side’s progress, particularly after the Purps’ impressive start to the season.

They too have won at Padiham in an FA Cup tie before hammering poor Irlam on Saturday.

What they’ve said

“Our front five were exceptional going forward [at Padiham], showing pace and strength, and they couldn’t cope with it.

“The lads are starting to gel, and it’s looking better.

“We let ourselves down now and again by not keeping possession, and that puts us under pressure, but we’ll keep improving.”

Paul Moore, Northwich Victoria co-manager

Numbers game

Brian Matthews became the first Vics player to score a hat-trick this season when they saw off Padiham on Saturday.

Meanwhile an emphatic 5-0 win for promoted City of Liverpool against Irlam made them the biggest home winners on the Premier Division season’s opening day.

Man to keep an eye on

Yaw Gyimah

The powerful front-man was included in the starting line-up for a 4-2 win at Padiham on Saturday, playing alongside in-form Brian Matthews in attack.

Their movement and speed, with Jake Pollard sending passes their way, will give City of Liverpool plenty to ponder in defence.

Vics team news

James Oppong returns after sitting out Vics’ first three games with an injury sustained during the warm-up before an FA Cup encounter with 1874 Northwich.

However Ian Willis is unavailable, which could see Adam Lawrence switch to the centre of defence.

Goalkeeper Richie Mottram played at the weekend despite suffering a wrist injury in Vics’ opening game, and is waiting for a specialist to diagnose the extent of the damage.

Most recent meetings

None

Essential information

Kick off 7.45pm

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.