Why should I watch..?
To see if Winsford United can set aside the form book and eliminate hosts who sit fourth in the Midlands League Premier Division and who have won their past eight matches in all competitions.
Blues’ form has been in direct contrast, and they failed to score during back-to-back home defeats against Charnock Richard (0-4) and Ashton Athletic (0-2) last weekend.
They have performed in the FA Vase though, coming from behind to beat Liversedge after extra-time in their opener before dispatching Worksop Town in emphatic fashion at Barton Stadium last time out.
Lee Duckworth has been busy this week, bolstering a depleted squad by making four signings.
It will be fascinating to see where they fit in to his plans.
What they’ve said
“We’ve saved our best performances so far this season for the FA Vase, including last time out [against Worksop].
“Sporting are flying, and we’ll need to be at our best to give ourselves a chance of getting through.
“We’re expecting a really tough game, but I think it’s time we gave something back to our supporters who have been superb.”
Lee Duckworth, Winsford United player-manager
Numbers game
Sporting have won eight successive matches in all competitions, scoring 29 goals along the way.
That total includes seven in a thrashing of Eccleshall in the Walsall FA Senior Cup in midweek.
Man to keep an eye on
Kyle McGonigle
If selected, he can provide a steely presence in the middle of the pitch that perhaps Blues have been lacking.
He knows what it feels like for Winsford United to enjoy a run in the FA Vase too after helping a side managed by Lloyd Morrison to reach the third round during the 2012-2013 season.
Blues team news
Winsford boss Lee Duckworth could include up to four new faces in his squad after completing the signings of Kyle McGonigle, Callum Bullock, Joseph Thompson and Callum Harris.
They join versatile Dahrius Waldron, who made his first start for Blues during a 2-0 defeat against Ashton Athletic on Monday night.
Goalkeeper Jack Cookson is available again after serving a suspension, but Dean Clarke and Danny Kerr are unavailable.
Tom Fisher and Steve Jenyons (both knee) are longer-term absentees through injury.
Form guide (past six in all competitions)
Sporting W W W W W W
Blues L L L W L W
Route to this round
Sporting 2QR bt Stone Old Alleynians (a) 7-3; 1QR (r) bt Coventry Sphinx (h) 3-0
Blues 2QR bt Worksop (h) 5-0; 1QR bt Liversedge (h) 2-1 (aet)
Last season in FA Vase
Sporting Second Round
Blues Second Qualifying Round
Essential information
When Saturday, October 13
Kick-off 3pm
Address Aspray Arena, Noose Lane, Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 3BB
Admission Adults £5, Concessions and under 16s £3
Prize money Winners £825; Losers £275
Next round Saturday, November 3
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