Why should I watch..?
Vics’ recovery from 2-0 down, a comeback completed by substitute Jordan Cobley’s leveller, will send them to Winsford feeling optimistic they can cause an upset.
They will need to defend better though; 1874 Northwich were wasteful on Saturday, and are unlikely to be so charitable in front of goal a second time.
The home team may feel they have a point to prove, particularly after Paul Connor’s dismissal at the weekend left them with a significant handicap for an hour.
They start as slight favourites, and an element of surprise that was on Vics’ side during their first meeting will be less of a factor.
What they’ve said
“We’ll set up again to be offensive, and to try and take the initiative rather than wait and see what they do.
“We think that’s our strength; to get at people and take the game to them.
“If we can be a bit calmer in possession and in front of goal, while still creating the number of chances we did on Saturday, then we’ve a great chance of getting through.”
Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager
“1874 Northwich are a good side, and I predict they’ll be up there challenging for the title.
“But they know they’re in a game now.
“My only concern is defensively we looked a little bit shaky sometimes when clearing our lines, particularly early on when we were rocking a bit.”
Paul Moore, Northwich Victoria manager
Numbers game
In three previous ties at this stage, 1874 have prevailed. Last season they saw off Barnton to progress.
Vics have played only once in an extra preliminary round tie all the way back in 1948. They won it though, beating Ellesmere Port Town.
Man to keep an eye on
Danny Meadowcroft
The experienced back-marker is likely to make his first start for 1874 Northwich against one of his former clubs.
How he marshals a defence troubled by the slippery movement of Vics attackers Olly Walker and Brian Matthews on Saturday will be important in the final reckoning.
His know-how, in the absence of Danny Thomas and Mark Jones through injury, is vital for the hosts too.
1874 team news
The hosts will be forced into at least one change with Danny Thomas (knee) waiting to discover the extent of damage sustained during a fall on Saturday. Danny Meadowcroft stands by to partner Jack Pritchard in the middle of defence.
Paul Connor is available – his suspension doesn’t start until the weekend – while Mark Jones (foot) and Joe Woolley (knee) are both ruled out by injuries.
Ryan Jackson (knee) is scheduled for surgery later this month.
Vics team news
James Oppong has succumbed to an injury sustained during the warm-up before Saturday’s encounter and Michael McDonald, his replacement at the weekend, is unavailable.
Jake Pritchard will be missing too, but Ian Willis could make his debut in central midfield.
Most recent meetings
Vics 2-2 1874 (FA Cup, August 5 2017)
1874 1-0 Vics (Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup, April 25 2017)
1874 2-0 Vics (Cheshire FA Senior Cup, January 10 2017)
Essential information
Address Barton Stadium, Kingsway, Winsford CW7 3AE
Kick off 7.45pm
Prize money £1,500
Next round (August 19, ko 3pm) West Didsbury & Chorlton (h)
Admission Adults £6, Concessions (NUS/OAP) £4, Under 16s Free
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