Why should I watch..?

To see how 1874 respond to the disappointment of a heavy opening-day defeat in front of their own supporters.

City of Liverpool left Barton Stadium as 6-3 victors, ending a run of four successive wins in their first fixture for Northwich since they were promoted to the North West Counties League’s Premier Division in 2014.

A run to the third qualifying round last season, and an agonising defeat on penalties against Ossett Town, included a stunning upset of National League North side North Ferriby United.

Burscough, beaten 2-1 at home by Hanley Town last weekend before falling 6-1 at Squires Gate in midweek, are hoping a change of focus can kick-start their campaign.

The Linnets are also out to defend an unbeaten record at this stage of the FA Cup.

What they’ve said

“The players were subdued, perfectly understandably, after what happened last Saturday.

“But they’ll need no motivation to get themselves back up again for an FA Cup tie, and I’m certain they’ll want another taste of success after enjoying a great run in last season’s competition.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

Curiously, both teams have conceded six goals in a game already; 1874 went down 6-3 at home to City of Liverpool last Saturday while Burscough were suffered a similar fate at Squires Gate on Tuesday

Man to keep an eye on

Taylor Kennerley

Was one of 1874’s most prominent attackers during the first-half of last weekend’s meeting with City of Liverpool before fading, like most of his teammates, when the Purps pulled away later.

Like Callum Gardner on the opposite flank, will be expected to supply Scott McGowan with ammunition he can fire against opponents still reeling from a heavy reverse in midweek.

1874 team news

Lee Jackson and Joe Woolley both return to the squad after coming through 90 minutes for Knutsford in a 3-0 win at Malpas in the Cheshire League’s top-flight on Tuesday.

Meanwhile central defender Jack Pritchard is fit again too after recovering from an injury sustained in a pre-season friendly at Alsager last month.

Kazim Waite-Jackson has back from a holiday, but Sam Hind is unavailable.

Remember when…?

1874 returned from Victoria Park as victors on this weekend 12 months ago to make a winning start to a new season in the North West Counties League’s Premier Division?

Adam Whitlock scored the winner.

Here’s how the Guardian reported it: Burscough 0-1 1874: match report

Last season’s league meetings

Burscough 0-1 1874 (August 12, 2017)

1874 2-1 Burscough (May 3, 2018)

Essential information

Address Victoria Park, Bobby Langton Way, Burscough, Lancashire L40 0SD

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Children £1 (or free with paying adult)

Kick off 3pm

Replay date Tuesday, August 14 (ko 7.45pm)

Prize money £2,250 (winners), £750 (losers)

Next round (August 25) Widnes or Northwich Victoria (h)