Why should I watch..?
To see how in-form Northwich Victoria, who have won five successive matches in the North West Counties League top-flight, measure up against one of the Premier Division’s strongest sides.
Steve Wilkes’ men have risen to ninth in the table as a reward after beating Barnoldswick last weekend.
Attackers Brian Matthews, who now has 16 goals to his name, and Jay Hart were both on target again in a 3-1 win.
Playing host is a Runcorn Linnets side buoyed by reaching the FA Vase third round following a dramatic replay success against Sunderland RCA.
They progressed following a 2-1 win secured late by Mark Houghton’s goal after Mitch Bryant had been sent off in the first-half.
A side managed by Michael Ellison have lost only once since August – 1-0 defeat at Irlam last month during which they had two men dismissed.
What they’ve said
“Had either Jay Hart or Brian Matthews been playing for Barnoldswick last weekend, then we’d have lost.
“We were fortunate, but sometimes you have to find a way to win ugly when you’re not at your best and that’s what we did.”
Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager
Numbers game
Vics are targeting a sixth successive league win, a feat they most recently managed under Jim Gannon two years ago
Man to keep an eye on
Daniel Johnson
Stuart Wellstead has been in rich vein of goal-scoring form for Runcorn Linnets operating from a wide position on the right.
That means Vics’ left-back, who has been solid since switching from Mossley, will need to be alert when the wide man makes a trademark burst into a shooting space.
Vics team news
Steve Wilkes has new recruit Kieron Kenny, a central defender, available for selection after receiving international clearance this week.
He is also hoping to complete the signing of a second player, a midfielder, in time to face his old club.
Meanwhile Reece Lyndon (thigh) and Antony Shinks (knee) are both making progress with their rehabilitation.
Form guide (past six in league)
Linnets W L D W D W
Vics W W W W W L
Most recent meetings
Linnets 1-5 Vics (Cheshire FA Senior Cup R1, January 19 2016)
Vics 7-1 Linnets (Cheshire FA Senior Cup semi-finals, January 26 2010)
Essential information
When Saturday, November 18
Kick-off 3pm
Address Millbank Linnets Stadium, Murdishaw Avenue, Runcorn WA7 6HP
Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s £1 (Free if accompanied by an adult)
Parking Free at the ground
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