1874 NORTHWICH are gunning for a stadium attendance record.

Club chiefs are pouring marketing efforts into attracting a four-figure crowd to Townfield for their eagerly anticipated home ‘derby’ with Witton Albion in Northern Premier League West on Boxing Day.

It was the visit by Macclesfield last season which brought in a ground record 883 spectators, while the December 26 meeting with their neighbours Witton in 2022 drew a ‘gate’ of 836.

Average attendance to 1874 home games is currently significantly lower than last season’s figure, so a healthy crowd for the first ‘derby’ under new Greens manager Damian Crossley would be a good Christmas present for the club.

“It’s a great opportunity for the people of the town to show that 1874 are a growing and thriving club and because it’s over Christmas time there will be people back home in Northwich who wouldn’t normally get the chance to support us who can come along,” said Crossley.

“The players enjoy the support of the fans and there’s a warmth and a friendship within the club which helps the players express themselves on the pitch knowing that support is there.

“The message is simple, come along, make as much noise as you can! The players and the staff really appreciate it and we’d like to thank them for their unwavering support, it means so much.”

1874 defender Matty Fenton is looking forward to the occasion and feels that positions in the table will count for nothing on the day.

“The festive season is all about traditions, and this extends to football with matches between local rivals,” he said.

“If I’m not mistaken on Boxing Day, Man City and Everton aren’t playing, United is the late kick-off, Liverpool are away and even Stoke and Crewe are away - so why not embrace tradition and visit Townfield for a good old fashioned local ‘derby’ game.

“I know all the lads at ‘74 are looking forward to it and I’m sure Witton will be too.

“I’m sure those that have watched the majority of our games this season will agree that this season is close, there really isn’t much between any of the teams in the league whether they be at the top or the bottom.

“That makes our fans critical in providing that extra bit when games are tight. I can tell you from experience, when we get that backing from fans, the players find that little bit extra and it makes a huge difference.

“Turn up, be vocal and get behind us, it really does help every single one of us!

“And stick together – we know results haven’t always gone the right way this season but the team along with Damian are working hard to make those results come and climb up the league.

“We are a young ambitious side and with the fans’ support on Boxing Day and beyond, we are very confident the positive results will start to come, after which the league position will sort itself.”

It is not scheduled to be the only ‘derby’ being played on the bank holiday, with Winsford United set to host their North West Counties Division One South rivals Barnton at Barton Stadium.

Northwich Victoria will also be in action on Tuesday when they will travel to Congleton Town in the Midland League Premier Division.

Before then, there are fixtures scheduled for this Saturday.

Witton will put their three-match unbeaten run on the line against Vauxhall Motors at the U Lock It Stadium, while 1874 will be in search of a first win since October 21 when they go to Kidsgrove Athletic.

Vics visit Whitchurch Alport on Saturday, but neither Winsford or Barnton are in action that day.

All games are scheduled for 3pm kick-offs.