Why should I watch..?

In short, to see goals!

Barnton have yet to keep a clean-sheet in the North West Counties League this season, while Northwich Victoria have only once stopped an opponent from scoring since Steve Wilkes took over as manager in September.

The rivals endured contrasting fortunes on Saturday with the Villagers succumbing to promotion-hopefuls Runcorn Linnets while Vics edged a thriller with Hanley at Townfield thanks to Olly Walker’s stoppage-time winner.

Steve Lloyd’s side have lost their past five Premier Division fixtures, and conceded 22 goals.

Vics stopped a sequence of three straight losses with that 3-2 triumph at the weekend, and could return to the table’s top 10 if they collect maximum points once again.

What they’ve said

“We’ve never hidden from the spectre of relegation, but it’s not a time to worry about that – we need to show some pride.

“We can point to suffering some bad luck at times but I believe in football that you create your own.

“To get that, then you have to work even harder and that’s a challenge when you’re at the bottom of the table.”

Steve Lloyd, Barnton manager

“I was pleased for the supporters on Saturday; when we scored the winner, the scenes were something myself and the players won't forget.

“The lads deserve a huge pat on the back too because they never stopped trying to get a third goal, and if it wasn't for two unbelievable saves by their goalkeeper then we’d have won more comfortably.”

Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager

Numbers game

A previous meeting between these teams earlier this season in the district cup yielded 11 goals, with Barnton running out 7-4 victors

Man to keep an eye on

Chris Smith

The Barnton captain enjoyed himself in a previous meeting between the teams this season, scoring four times in a 7-4 victory.

Has 22 goals to his name this term already, and will likely need to keep up that rate if the Villagers are to have any chance of avoiding relegation.

Barnton team news

Steve Lloyd has bolstered his squad with the addition of former Winsford United and Middlewich Town wide-man Steve Warburton.

However he is unavailable today.

Full-back Jordan Stafford is suspended, but Chris Bandell returns after a ban.

Patrick Hamid, George Webster and Niall Ford are all ruled out, while Josh Kavanagh and Sam Houghton face late fitness tests.

Vics team news

Goalkeeper Michael Donlon returns after serving a one-match suspension, although Yaw Gyimah is still banned.

In-form attacker Jay Hart (groin) misses out again with an injury and Kieron Kenny (thigh) is a doubt after limping out of Saturday’s game against Hanley.

Allen Weston (fractured cheekbone) is not expected to play again until next month but manager Steve Wilkes is boosted by the return of defender Anthony Shinks after a long-term absence.

Sam Fitton is unavailable.

Form guide (past six in league)

Barnton L L L L L W

Vics W L L W L W

Most recent meetings

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 Tuesday, December 26

Kick-off 3pm

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

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s Free

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