Why should I watch..?

To discover how both teams react to a blow of falling at the first hurdle in this season’s FA Cup.

1874 had two cracks at Burscough, and led three times in their midweek replay, before losing in a penalty shoot-out.

Abbey Hey lost 2-1 last Saturday at lower-ranked Prestwich Heys, who included former Northwich defender Danny Meadowcroft in their squad.

A side managed by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison have been a guarantee of goals; their three matches to date have yielded a total of 17 (or 19 if you include those scored during an added half-hour against the Linnets).

What they’ve said

“We’re making mistakes in areas that we can’t afford to and that’s why it feels like we’re being punished every time.

“The truth is lots of little errors happen in non-league games, but we’re committing them at moments in matches that are costing us dearly.

“W’ve spent time in training putting a few things right.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

Abbey Hey lost their first six meetings with 1874 but have avoided defeat in the past three – including 1-1 draws on their past two visits to Barton Stadium

Man to keep an eye on

Mark Jones

With a number of senior players unavailable, he will take on more responsibility to lead a side that had confidence dented by an FA Cup exit against Burscough in midweek.

A win against Abbey Hey would feel cathartic at the start of a busy spell that has scheduled four North West Counties League fixtures before the end of the month.

1874 team news

Ryan Mitchell (groin) and captain Matthew Woolley (ankle) are both ruled out by an injury, while Matty Beadle and Paul Connor are both unavailable.

Sam Hind won’t be involved either but Jake Parker, missing in midweek due to work commitments, returns.

Meanwhile Ryan Jackson is scheduled to meet a specialist shortly to assess the extent of a knee injury sustained during a pre-season friendly at Alsager.

Form guide

1874 D D L

Abbey Hey L L D

Last season’s meetings

1874 1-1 Abbey Hey (March 28 2018)

Abbey Hey 4-2 1874 (October 17 2017)

Essential information

When Saturday, August 18

Kick-off 3pm

Address Barton Stadium, Kingsway, Winsford CW7 3AE

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (OAP/Students) £4, Under 17s £1, Under 12s Free

Parking Free at the ground