Why should I watch..?
To see if Northwich Victoria manager Steve Wilkes can complete a league double over close friend Danny Craig, his opposite number at tomorrow’s hosts Barnoldswick.
Vics won the return 3-1 in November.
They haven’t played though since beating landlords Barnton on Boxing Day, and have had two games postponed since.
There is little to choose between the teams in the table, with the visitors starting Saturday’s meeting two points better off.
Barlick went down narrowly at Runcorn Town last weekend before crashing out of the Macron Cup following a 4-0 defeat against Charnock Richard in midweek – a match Wilkes was in the stand to watch.
What they’ve said
“We need to bridge a gap between what our performances deserve and putting points on the board.
“Last Saturday [at Runcorn Town] is a prime example; we were well worth a draw.
“We’re going well at the minute though and are high in the form table after winning four of our past six league games.”
Danny Craig, Barnoldswick Town manager
“We’ve not played for more than a fortnight, and the lads are just desperate to play again – they’re sick of the sight of us in training, I think!
“It’s been frustrating for us after successive wins against Hanley and then Barnton that we’ve not been able to try and gather some momentum.
“That’s what we’ll try to do from here.”
Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager
Numbers game
Barlick have won their past four home games in the North West Counties League, a sequence that started in October
Man to keep an eye on
Olly Walker
Leading goal-scorer Brian Matthews has attracted most of the attention, not unreasonably, after finding the net 23 times this season
However Walker has been called upon regularly by manager Steve Wilkes since recovering from a knee injury that kept him out of action for two months.
He has repaid that faith with a string of encouraging performances, and he scored a decisive goal to clinch victory in a five-goal thriller against Hanley shortly before Christmas.
Vics team news
Jay Hart (groin) and Kieron Kenny (thigh) have been joined on the injury list by attacker Yaw Gyimah, who may require surgery on a knee complaint.
Full-back Jordan Grant resumed training this week after recovering from a bout of flu, but may not be risked.
Defensive duo Antony Shinks and Allen Weston, both fit again after knee and facial injuries respectively, are in the squad.
Form guide (past six in league)
Barlick L W L W W W
Vics W W L L W L
Most recent meetings
Vics 3-1 Barlick (NWCFL Premier Division, November 11 2017)
Essential information
When Saturday, January 13
Kick-off 3pm
Address Silentnight Stadium, West Close Road, Barnoldswick BB18 5LJ
Admission Adults £5, Concessions £3, Under 16s Free
Parking Available for free at the ground
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel