Why should I watch..?
To see if 1874 Northwich can extend a winning run in the North West Counties League’s top-flight to three matches.
If they do, then they will almost certainly rise into the Premier Division’s top-half for the first time this season.
A 2-1 victory against Bootle on Saturday is further evidence of gathering momentum, although the hosts will be forced to make at least two changes to a side that started that game.
They must be wary of an Ashton side that won last season’s corresponding fixture, although they did lose at Barton Stadium in an FA Vase encounter before Christmas.
The visitors have endured a disappointing start to a new season, and a tally of two goals from seven games – six of those defeats – is the result of losing prolific strike duo Joel Brownhill and Dale Korie-Butler over the summer.
What they’ve said
“Ashton are in a false position; they are a better side than their position in the table suggests.
“They’ve enough quality to cause problems for a lot of teams at this level, and I expect them to come here and try to be positive.
“We’ve got to be careful or we’ll risk becoming a kick-start for their season and that would be a shame after the way we’ve performed in the past couple of weeks.”
Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager
Numbers game
Ashton Athletic are the only side in the North West Counties League’s top-flight without a victory to date this season
Man to keep an eye on
Taylor Kennerley
Probably 1874’s most in-form player after following a double in a 2-1 win at West Didsbury & Chorlton with another goal, and an assist, when his side saw off Bootle by the same score on Saturday.
His ability to prevail in one-on-one situations with a direct opponent makes him a dangerous customer for opposition defences.
1874 team news
Goalkeeper James Coates is available after a prior personal engagement ruled him out on Saturday.
Jordan Tucker, called up by Hyde United last weekend, should return too while Callum Gardner could feature after completing international duty with England’s six-a-side team in Portugal.
However Mark Jones, Matthew Woolley (both holiday), Lee Jackson, Ryan Mitchell and Joe Woolley (work) are all unavailable.
Injury is likely to rule out Sam Freakes (knee), but Matty Russell (back) has a better chance of taking part.
Form guide (past six league games)
1874 W W L W L D
Ashton Ath L L L L L L
Last season’s meetings
1874 1-2 Ashton Ath (February 13, 2018)
Ashton Ath 0-2 1874 (March 6, 2018)
Essential information
When Tuesday, October 2
Kick-off 7.45pm
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
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