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