Why should I watch..?

Well, it’s the FA Vase.

1874 Northwich reached the semi-finals of last year’s edition, a record run for the club that has earned them an exemption to the second round this time around.

The draw has not been kind, and they travel to take on opponents from the Northern League that bookmakers rate as more likely to win this season’s competition.

However this group proved repeatedly last time around that they can produce a performance on a big, one-off occasion.

Their opponents, Newcastle Benfield, occupy 11th position in the table after an indifferent start to the campaign that prompted them to hire former Blyth Spartans manager Tom Wade last month.

Paul Brayson, a familiar face and name to followers of football in Northwich, leads the home team’s attack at the ripe old age of 41.

What they’ve said

“It’s a massive tie for us and one that should draw a decent crowd.

“It’s a funny one at the same time because it’s our first game in the FA Vase this season and sometimes you need those early matches to feel your way into the competition – but we’ll have to hit the ground running.”

Tom Wade, Newcastle Benfield manager

“We’re ready, and have done everything possible to be as prepared as we can be.

“The experience of a big FA Vase game isn’t new to most of our lads, and they’ll need to call on that if we want to progress.

“Newcastle have attacking players that can hurt us, and we’ll need to produce one of our best performances.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

1874 Northwich’s management duo, Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison, pick the team for the 100th time since their appointment

1874 team news

James Ormrod is ineligible after playing for former club Barnoldswick Town earlier in the competition.

Sam Freakes, Ryan Jackson and Joe Woolley (all knee) are long-term injury absentees, while Ryan Mitchell continues to be unavailable.

It’s an important afternoon for…

Callum Gardner

After returning to the starting line-up last week as a replacement for Joe Woolley, he impressed in an orthodox role on the right of midfield.

One of the new squad members that wasn’t at the club for last season’s run to the semi-finals, and will be keen to make an impression on a big occasion.

Form (past six in all competitions)

Newcastle W D W D W L

1874 W W D W D L

Route to this round

Newcastle Exempt

1874 Exempt

Last season in FA Vase

Newcastle Fourth Round

1874 Semi-finals

Odds (Bet Victor)

Newcastle 1/2

Draw 10/3

1874 10/3

Essential information

When Saturday, November 3

Kick-off 3pm

Address Sam Smith’s Sports Ground, Chesterwood, off Benfield Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 4NU

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £3, Kids £1

Replay date Saturday, November 10 (ko 3pm)

Prize money £900 (winners); £300 (losers)