Why should I watch..?

To see if 1874 Northwich can knock off course hosts that have lost only once in seven matches this season.

They will need to end a wait for their first victory to do exactly that.

Their recent record against Squires Gate will provide some encouragement; victories in each of the past three meetings and 10 goals scored along the way.

It’s possible the home team will have one eye on an FA Cup replay with Droylsden on Tuesday, when the reward on offer is close to £3,000 in prize money and a visit from City of Liverpool or Glossop North End in the next round.

What they’ve said

“I’ve not looked at the league table, and I don’t think there’s much point at this stage of the season either.

“The important thing for us, in the short-term at least, is to focus on our performance and try to win a couple of games.

“There were some encouraging signs on Monday, and I felt we looked more solid than we have in previous weeks.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

1874 Northwich have now gone six matches without a win in the North West Counties League for the first time in the club’s short history

Man to keep an eye on

Mark Jones

A return to top form in Monday’s draw with Vics was timely, particularly in the absence of Matthew Woolley and with inexperienced Kazim Waite-Jackson alongside him.

1874 would love to see the same authority take them to a first victory of the campaign on Saturday.

1874 team news

Taylor Kennerley returns to the squad after missing both games last weekend, one of them through suspension.

Kyle Riley is back too.

Management duo Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison will make late checks on captain Matthew Woolley (ankle), Scott McGowan (hamstring), Matthew Russell (heel) and Ben Woods (illness) before deciding on their involvement.

The visitors also plan to include new signing Jordan Tucker, a full-back, after completing his registration on Friday.

Meanwhile Danny Thomas and Sam Hind are both unavailable.

Form guide (league)

Gate W W L W D

1874 D L D D L

Last season’s meetings

1874 3-1 Gate (March 8, 2018)

Gate 0-3 1874 (May 5, 2018)

Essential information

When Saturday, September 1

Kick-off 3pm

Address The Brian Addison Stadium, School Road, Marton, Blackpool FY4 5DS

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £3, Accompanied under 12s Free

Parking Available in front of the club on School Road, with additional spaces on Common Edge