Why should I watch..?

To see if either side can convince their supporters that they can climb the table after an inconsistent September.

Vics head up the M6 boosted by inflicting a first defeat of the season on promoted Silsden last time out.

However Steve Wilkes’ had lost their previous two North West Counties League fixtures against Whitchurch and Winsford – opponents who had previously failed to collect maximum points.

The visitors will be motivated, at least in part, to avenge a 5-0 thrashing against Squires Gate in the corresponding fixture last term.

Gate have lost five of their past six matches in all competitions, including last weekend when West Didsbury & Chorlton snatched victory with a goal in the 89th minute.

Richard Seear, with six goals in 10 appearances, poses their biggest attacking threat.

What they’ve said

“There is never an easy game in this league.

“It’s important for our away form to start matching what we’ve been able to produce at home, and this game gives us an opportunity to start doing that.

“I’ve been critical of the players when we’ve been beaten recently, and so they deserve a huge amount of credit for their performance last week because they at no point looked uncomfortable against a side that arrived undefeated.”

Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager

Numbers game

Vics will be keen to improve an away record that has yielded only four points from five matches in the North West Counties League this season

Man to keep an eye on…

Billy Whittle

A goal in last Saturday’s 2-0 win against Silsden makes him Vics’ leading-scorer this season with six.

The midfielder has been a threat all season arriving in the penalty area from a midfield position, and was in the right place to steer a loose ball in to the net against the Cobbydalers – a strike that set Steve Wilkes’ side on course for an important victory.

Vics team news

Steve Wilkes expects to have a full complement to pick from, including Harvey Whyte after registering the midfielder this week.

The 19-year-old, formerly on Liverpool’s books, played for Vics’ landlords Witton Albion during an Integro League Cup victory against Widnes at Wincham Park last month.

Form guide (past six league games)

Gate L L L W W W

Vics W L L W W D

Last season’s meetings

Gate 5-0 Vics (April 12, 2018)

Vics 1-1 Gate (April 28, 2018)

Essential information

When Saturday, October 6

Kick-off 3pm

Address The Brian Addison Stadium, School Road, Marton, Blackpool FY4 5DS

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £3, Accompanied under 12s Free

Parking Available in front of the club on School Road, with additional spaces on Common Edge