Why should I watch..?

To see how 1874 Northwich respond to the disappointment of a midweek defeat against Ashton.

A side managed jointly by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison had started that contest seeking a third successive win – and a fourth win from five games – after an upturn in fortunes.

However a 3-0 reverse against opponents who had arrived in Winsford without a win to their name in the North West Counties League this season was an unexpected setback.

Burscough are three points behind their guests ahead of kick-off tomorrow, but have two games in hand.

The Linnets have already beaten both Northwich Victoria and Winsford United in a Premier Division fixture at Victoria Park this season, and are seeking a mid Cheshire hat-trick.

They also eliminated 1874 Northwich from the FA Cup following a penalty shoot-out in a replay after a 2-2 draw in their first meeting.

What they’ve said

“We have to be better in the final third, and take more care with a pass or cross when we get into good positions.

“It’s true of course that against Ashton we didn’t reach the heights we had the previous Saturday, and a 3-0 defeat at home is never going to look good.

“We’ve been to Burscough already this season, and so we know what we’re letting ourselves in for.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

1874 have kept only one clean-sheet in 13 games this season, during a 1-0 win against Litherland REMYCA last month

It’s an important afternoon for…

1874’s returning players

Mark Jones and captain Matthew Woolley, in particular, can both be calming influences in a side bruised by a midweek defeat against back-markers Ashton Athletic.

That will be even more important on an afternoon when Ryan Mitchell, Danny Meadowcroft and Danny Thomas are all unavailable.

1874 team news

The visitors will be boosted by the return to action of Mark Jones, captain Matthew Woolley and wide-man Joe Woolley.

However Danny Thomas (calf) and Sam Freakes (knee) are ruled out by an injury, joining long-term absentee Ryan Jackson (knee) on the side-lines.

Work commitments continue to prevent Ryan Mitchell from playing, while Danny Meadowcroft is also unavailable this weekend.

The same goes for Lucas Weir, who is in America.

Form guide (past six league games)

Burscough L W W L L W

1874 L W W L W L

Last season’s meetings

Burscough 0-1 1874 (August 12, 2017)

1874 2-1 Burscough (May 3, 2018)

Essential information

When Saturday, October 6

Kick-off 3pm

Address Victoria Park, Bobby Langton Way, Burscough, Lancashire L40 0SD

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Children £1 (or free with paying adult)