Why should I watch..?

To see if Witton Albion can reach the FA Cup fourth qualifying round for only the second time since 1996.

The most recent occasion was seven years ago, a run that coincidentally included an away success against a National League North side in the shape of Altrincham.

However Albion will need to improve on a disappointing record as the visitors to FC United after losing on five of their previous six visits in all competitions.

They make the latest trip there buoyed by eliminating Spennymoor Town a fortnight ago.

FC United have won only once – against Colne at the previous stage – in front of their own supporters this season and slipped to the bottom of the National League North table too following a single-goal reverse at Nuneaton Borough last weekend.

What they’ve said

“We’re realists; we’re a lower-ranked side travelling to a National League North team trying to cause an upset.

“Does that mean we don’t believe we can do it? Of course not.

“The mood is good, and I can tell you our lads are looking forward to showing what they can do on that stage. It’s a big day for us.”

Gary Martindale, Witton Albion manager

Numbers game

Witton have only once won away to FC United in six previous visits, five of those to the Rebels’ former home at Gigg Lane

Witton team news

Albion boss Carl Macauley will have everybody available to pick from apart from long-term injury absentees Tom Owens (hand) and Nick Ryan (leg).

That includes attacking midfielder Will Booth, who made his first start for Witton during a 2-0 defeat at Scarborough Athletic in midweek.

It’s an important afternoon for…

River Humphreys

Witton’s leader in defence will be tasked with stopping Kurt Willoughby, who has been selected to represent England C for a forthcoming friendly with Estonia’s under 23s next week.

The former Clitheroe front man has impressed for the Rebels this season, scoring five goals, and Albion’s chances of progressing to the next stage will depend in large part on if they can shackle the 22-year-old.

Form (past six in all competitions)

FC United L W L D D D

Witton L W W W D L

Route to this round

FC United 2QR bt Colne (h) 2-0

Witton 2QR bt Spennymoor (h) 2-1; 1QR bt Bottesford (h) 5-0

Last season in FA Cup

FC United Fourth Qualifying Round

Witton First Qualifying Round

Odds (Bet Victor)

FC United 8/11

Draw 7/2

Witton 9/4

Remember when…?

Witton visited FC United of Manchester for an FA Cup tie previously?

Albion started brilliantly, and took the lead inside two minutes when Danny Andrews scored from close-range.

They protected their advantage until Sam Madeley restored parity after half-an-hour, and might have edged in front a second time after Alex Titchiner’s effort rapped an upright.

Instead they trailed when Craig Lindfield sneaked into a space behind Jon Dawson to meet Rory Fallon’s cross.

The latter, a former Witton player, added gloss with a strike from distance during a second-half dominated from start to finish by the hosts.

The Guardian was there, and this is how we saw it: FC United 3-1 Witton: match report

Essential information

When Saturday, October 6

Kick-off 3pm

Address Broadhurst Park, 310 Lightbowne Road, Moston, Manchester M40 0FJ

Admission Adults £12, Concessions (over 60s, students, unemployed) £7, Under 18s £3

Replay date Tuesday, October 9 (ko 7.45pm)

Prize money £15,000