Why should I watch..?

To see if Witton can extend a four-match sequence without defeat in all competitions and set the tone for an FA Cup encounter with FC United of Manchester on Saturday.

That will not be easy against promoted Boro, who occupy third place in the standings after an encouraging start to life at a higher level.

The hosts also boast one of the most formidable attacks in the Northern Premier League’s top-flight in the form of James Walshaw and Michael Coulson.

There is some encouragement for Carl Macauley’s men from a 3-2 win for Nantwich at the Flamingo Land Stadium on Saturday.

Marine also won there in an FA Cup replay.

Albion’s away form has been disappointing though, and they had returned home defeated from three of their four road trips before a 4-0 thrashing of North Ferriby United last weekend.

What they’ve said

“We’ve got into good habits since we lost at Stafford, and it’s so important we remain so.

“While it’s only natural to be excited at the prospect of playing in the FA Cup, we’re conscious that we really ought to be higher up the table and we need to continue collecting points to get us into a position we feel represents our strength.

“Scarborough will test us, and it’s absolutely crucial that we defend well.”

Carl Macauley, Witton Albion manager

Numbers game

Scarborough have yet to keep a clean-sheet in front of their own supporters this season after seven previous attempts

Witton team news

Carl Macauley is hopeful that full-back Anthony Gardner will have recovered from an illness that prevented him from travelling to North Ferriby United on Saturday.

Cesaire (hamstring) has been passed fit after he was withdrawn as a precaution during the interval of that game, but Tom Owens still has a cast on his hand after surgery.

Chris Noone may be ruled out by work commitments.

It’s an important evening for…

Albion’s back-line

Only Basford have scored more goals in the Northern Premier League’s top-flight this term than Scarborough.

James Walshaw leads the way with six for the Seadogs, while Wayne Brooksby and Michael Coulson have five apiece.

Witton’s defence, marshalled expertly by River Humphreys, has been solid this season though – a shut-out of North Ferriby at the weekend was their fifth in nine Premier Division matches to date.

Form guide (league)

Boro L D W W W W

Witton W D L D L W

Remember when…

Witton were hosted by Scarborough for a Northern Premier League fixture in April 2016?

Rob Hopley scored twice for in-form Albion in a 3-2 win – a fourth victory in five matches as they attempted to conclude the First Division North campaign on a high.

The front man had put the visitors ahead before Jamie Forrester restored parity, only for Alex Titchiner’s deft finish to make it 2-1.

Hopley was similarly ruthless when he extended the away side’s lead before substitute Glenn Matthews headed in from a corner late on.

Odds (Betbright)

Boro 6/5

Draw 13/5

Witton 7/4

Essential information

When Tuesday, October 2

Kick-off 7.45pm

Address Flamingo Land Stadium, Scarborough Leisure Village, Ashburn Road, Scarborough YO11 2JW

Admission Adults £10, Concessions (over 65s, under 12s to under 16s, students) £5, Accompanied under 11s Free