Why should I watch..?

To see if Northwich Victoria can halt a sequence of three matches without a win.

They followed an FA Cup exit at Burscough last Saturday with a draw at 1874 Northwich 48 hours later when Billy Whittle’s goal cancelled out Scott McGowan’s opener.

Their form at Wincham Park has been encouraging so far, and a defeat against City of Liverpool has been followed by wins against Widnes and Winsford.

Padiham have been inconsistent, although two of their three wins so far have been away from home.

The Storks will be up against two former players in the form of Brandon Barski and Dom Craig, while Steve Wilkes and Steve Pickup – now in charge at Vics – are their old management team.

What they’ve said

“We started slowly [against 1874] on Monday, and for the first 40 minutes or so I thought we were poor.

“That was disappointing, but we improved and if the game had gone on for another five or 10 minutes then we might have nicked it.”

Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager

“It’s no different to any other game [for us].

“There are ex-managers and former players involved [at Northwich] but we’re focussed.

“We’ll go there with no pressure and as underdogs even though they haven’t won in their last three matches.”

Liam Smith, Padiham co-manager

Numbers game

Only two teams – Burscough and Winsford United – conceded more goals than Padiham in the Premier Division last month

It’s an important afternoon for…

Dominic Craig

The midfielder plays against a club he left this summer to join Northwich.

Curiously, he scored both goals for the Storks during a 2-1 victory in last season’s corresponding fixture at Barnton.

He is off the mark for Vics already, but would love to add to his tally this weekend.

Vics team news

Manager Steve Wilkes is boosted by being able to include Matty Clarke and Billy Webb in a match-day squad for the first time this season.

Brian Matthews is back too after a holiday and Brad Cooke has shaken off an injury that ruled him out of Monday’s derby at 1874 Northwich.

Mark Ayres is suspended, while midfielder John Bennett is a long-term absentee after having an operation on his knee.

Form guide (league)

Vics D L W L W

Padiham L W L W W L

Last season’s meetings

Padiham 2-4 Vics (August 12 2017)

Vics 1-2 Padiham (December 2 2017)

Essential information

When Saturday, September 1

Kick-off 3pm

Address Witton Albion FC, Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s £2, Under 12s Free (if accompanied by paying adult)

Parking Free at the ground