Pitch inspection
Have spoken to Dave Thomas at @NorthwichVicsFC, and he advises that a pitch inspection is scheduled for 1100 tomorrow ahead of visit from @RuncornLinnets.
— Andrew Simpson (@simmo_on_sport) February 9, 2018
Volunteers have been working on the playing surface at Barnton today.
Why should I watch..?
To see if Northwich Victoria can bring to an end Runcorn Linnets’ 12-match winning sequence in the North West Counties League’s top-flight.
Steve Wilkes’ side gave their Cheshire rivals a scare in the previous meeting this season when Matty Clarke and Brian Matthews scored after the visitors had trailed 3-0 at the interval.
Mitch Bryant was dismissed for the hosts before Paul Shanley settled the outcome with time running out.
However Linnets’ imperious form since has left them 13 points clear of their closest-rivals at the top of the table.
Vics, without a win in their past four games, are seeking to kick-start their campaign following back-to-back postponements last week.
What they’ve said
“Runcorn Linnets have been rewarded for their consistency with a commanding lead at the top of the table, and I can’t see anybody catching them.
“We can take heart from how we played in the previous game, and perhaps should have taken a point after the way we performed in the second-half.
“The sending off was a big moment in that game, and in a strange way it seemed to help them rather than us.”
Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager
Numbers game
Leaders Runcorn Linnets have won 12 successive matches in the North West Counties League’s top-flight
Man to keep an eye on
Olly Walker
The striker has an opportunity to impress with leading goal-scorer Brian Matthews ruled out by an injury for the next month.
With Jay Hart likely to start as a substitute, the former Newcastle University student hopes to spearhead the home team’s attack against the runaway league leaders.
He hasn’t let down Vics when he’s been called upon previously this season.
Vics team news
Full-back Daniel Johnson continues to serve a suspension, while leading goal-scorer Brian Matthews (hamstring) has succumbed to a muscle strain that could keep him out of action for a month.
Yaw Gyimah (knee) is recovering from surgery, while versatile midfielder Ian Willis has decided to retire after attempting to overcome a niggling knee complaint that has hampered him long-term.
Defender Kieron Kenny is fit again.
Form guide (past six in league)
Vics L L D D W W
Linnets W W W W W W
Most recent meetings
Linnets 4-2 Vics (NWCFL Premier Division, November 18 2018)
Linnets 1-5 Vics (Cheshire FA Senior Cup First Round, January 19 2016)
Vics 7-1 Linnets (Cheshire FA Senior Cup semi-finals, January 26 2010)
Essential information
When Saturday, February 10
Kick-off 3pm
Address Townfield, Townfield Lane, Barnton, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4LH
Admission Adults £6, Concessions (NUS/OAP) £4, Under 16s £2, Accompanied under 12s Free
Parking Strictly limited at the ground. Northwich Victoria advise spectators to use available spaces at Barnton Library and Barnton Primary School, both located on Townfield Lane.
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