Why should I watch..?

To see if Barnton can build on an encouraging performance during a 4-2 defeat at Stockport County in midweek.

They led at the interval against their National League North hosts, who needed two late goals to end the Villagers’ resistance.

Steve Lloyd’s side have lost their past seven matches in the North West Counties League’s top-flight, and occupy last place in the Premier Division table.

Visitors Maine Road have risen from the relegation zone after collecting 12 points from the past 18.

That sequence includes a 3-1 win at home to Barnton last month, and new manager Matt Barnes – appointed in November – appears to be turning around their fortunes after a poor start to the campaign.

What they’ve said

“We need to follow on from Tuesday and take that into the weekend.

“When we played Maine Road last month, there was no difference between the sides save for that they finished more clinically than we did.

“Our spirit remains good, but we need to sustain our best level of performance for 90 minutes – something that we haven’t done often enough to date this season.”

Steve Lloyd, Barnton manager

Numbers game

Maine Road have won their past three matches – their best run of results in the North West Counties League this season

Man to keep an eye on

Ryan Malone

With Chris Bandell and Brandon Moores doubts through injury, he will be expected to provide the ammunition for captain Chris Smith to fire at goal.

The winger was prominent in most of the Villagers’ best moments during an improved performance against Stockport in the Cheshire FA Senior Cup on Tuesday.

Barnton team news

Jack McKay is available again after coming through an appearance unscathed for Middlewich in the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup last week.

The Villagers’ captain hasn’t played since sustaining a knee injury during an FA Cup encounter with Parkgate on the opening afternoon of the season.

Jack Woolley is also fit again, and came on as a substitute in a 4-2 defeat at Stockport County in midweek.

Josh Kavanagh and George Riley return, but Chris Bandell (groin), Jason McShane (eye) and Brandon Moores (thigh) are all unlikely to recover in time.

Form guide (past six in league)

Barnton L L L L L L

Maine Road W W W L L W

Previous meetings

Maine Road 3-1 Barnton (NWCFL Premier Division, December 4 2017)

Barnton 1-1 Maine Road (NWCFL Premier Division, April 22 2017)

Maine Road 1-0 Barnton (NWCFL Premier Division, December 17 2016)

Essential information

When Saturday, January 13

Kick-off 3pm

Address Townfield, Townfield Lane, Barnton , Northwich CW8 4LH

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s Free

Parking Limited at Memorial Hall next to ground entrance. Club advises spectators use Barnton Library on Townfield Lane