Why should I watch..?

Why wouldn’t you?

By a distance, it’s the biggest game in the Northern Premier League’s top-flight on Monday.

Promoted Witton have surprised almost everybody – save perhaps for manager Carl Macauley – by starting the season with a five-match unbeaten sequence that has earned them a share of the lead in the Premier Division table.

Visitors Altrincham proved too strong for Coalville yesterday, and have won back-to-back matches following a 1-0 victory at home to Whitby in midweek.

It appears an early wobble, which saw them lose two of their first three games, may be behind them.

What they’ve said

“These lads are annoyed they haven’t won all five games, and that shows how far we’ve come, I guess.

“Of course, and being serious, we’d have snapped off your hand had you offered us a chance to be unbeaten going into the game against Altrincham – no two ways about it.”

Gary Martindale, Witton Albion’s assistant manager

Numbers game

In-form Witton have lost only one of their past 23 league games in front of their own supporters, turning Wincham Park into a real fortress.

Man to keep an eye on

Prince Haywood

Has been among Witton’s most consistent performers in the season’s opening month, and will have to play well against the Robins if his side are to extend an unbeaten run in the Premier Division to six matches.

The 25-year-old has excelled in a central role after playing most of last term in a position wide on the right of midfield.

Witton team news

Full-back Matty Devine (hamstring) was not risked for Saturday’s trip to Barwell, and has sat out the past two games.

Front man Rob Hopley was rested for the trip to Leicester, while attacking midfielder Ben Greenop was included in the squad for the first time since completing a transfer from Vauxhall Motors earlier this month.

Familiar faces

Defender Ben Harrison and wide man Josh Hancock will need no introduction to Witton Albion supporters after playing a key part in the club’s promotion success via the play-offs in 2012.

Striker Tom Peers is another to have played for the Northwich club previously, making a handful of appearances as a substitute four years ago while on a youth loan to the club from Chester.

Form guide

Witton WDWWD

Altrincham WWLDL

Most recent meetings

Altrincham 0-2 Witton (FA Cup 2QR, October 1 2011)

Altrincham 4-0 Witton (Cheshire FA Senior Cup, January 20 2009)

Witton 0-3 Altrincham (Cheshire FA Senior Cup, September 25 2007)

Odds

Witton 7/5

Draw 35/12

Altrincham 13/8

Essential information

When Monday, August 28

Kick off 3pm

Address Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

Admission Adults £10, Concessions (OAP/Students) £7, Under 18s £3, Members of HM Armed Forces Free

Parking Free at the ground