Why should I watch..?

To see if Winsford can start an important week in their campaign with a victory.

Blues host Ashton Athletic on Monday before heading to Sporting Khalsa for an FA Vase first round encounter next Saturday.

If they can travel south down the M6 with back-to-back wins behind them, then Lee Duckworth’s men will fancy their chances of causing an upset.

His side matched leaders City of Liverpool for the first hour of their meeting last weekend, and twice took the lead before the Purps made their class tell to prevail.

Blues may well strengthen their midfield by handing a debut to new recruit Dahrius Waldron, while Lee Jones is available again after completing a three-match suspension and returning from a holiday.

Charnock Richard have collected more points on their travels this season than in front of their own supporters, including wins at Hanley and Irlam.

What they’ve said

“We had a couple of hard-fought games against Charnock Richard last season and I expect this one to be no different.

“It’s important we start to collect some points during October to improve our position in the table.

“I think we probably all feel it’s a false one, but the truth is we haven’t been ruthless enough in both boxes.”

Lee Duckworth, Winsford United player-manager

Numbers game

A clean-sheet would help Blues; they haven’t yet shut out an opponent in the North West Counties League this season

Man to keep an eye on

Sam Howell

Has been among Winsford’s most consistent players this season, and was a threat to City of Liverpool last weekend in an advanced midfield role just behind front man Pete Watling.

He was rewarded for his awareness too with a smartly-taken goal when he punished a moment’s hesitation in the Purps’ defence.

With winger Scott Taylor ruled out, he will be a supply-line to Winsford’s attack.

Blues team news

Goalkeeper Jack Cookson serves a suspension following his dismissal during last weekend’s 5-2 defeat at City of Liverpool.

Michael Langley returns to take his place.

Lee Duckworth will be able to call upon full-back Damian Skolorzynski for the first time since the opening week of the season, while midfielder Lee Jones returns after a holiday.

Scott Taylor misses out with injury, while Blues’ boss rates Dave Short’s chances of being involved as ’50-50’.

Meanwhile Steve Jenyons (knee) is still missing.

Form guide (past six league games)

Blues L W L L L L

Charnock L W L L W L

Last season’s meetings

Charnock 1-1 Winsford (October 7, 2017)

Winsford 3-3 Charnock (March 19, 2018)

Essential information

When Saturday, October 6

Kick-off 3pm

Address Barton Stadium, Wharton Road, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 3AE

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4 (over 65s, under 21s, registered disabled), Under 16s £1