Why should I watch..?

To see if Witton Albion can add the scalp of another National League North opponent to a list of ones they have collected already with Carl Macauley as their manager.

They eliminated FC United of Manchester and Spennymoor from the FA Cup earlier this season and accounted for Boston United in the FA Trophy at this stage two years ago.

The Northwich side also make the trip to Warwickshire boosted by winning three of their past four matches, including a five-goal hammering of Buxton last weekend.

They will be greeted by hosts who are also enjoying a positive spell after collecting maximum points from three successive matches for the first time since they were promoted from the Southern League at the end of the 2016-2017 season.

The Brakes count Chester on a list of recent conquests, a side that ended Albion’s run to the first round the year before last.

What they’ve said

“Witton have done really well after coming up last year and are a good footballing side.

“Carl Macauley likes his sides to play that way and they’ve already accounted for FC United and Spennymoor in cup competitions this season.

“They also come into this game on the back of a good result last weekend and we’re expecting a tough game.”

Paul Holleran, Leamington manager

“A win like the one at Buxton last weekend gives everybody a massive confidence-boost.

“It’s not that we’ve been lacking belief because in general our performances have been good – it’s very rare that we’ve been poor – but it definitely helps.

“Leamington deserve our respect, and will have it like every opponent, but we’re not scared of them. We’ll go there and try to beat them.”

Carl Macauley, Witton Albion manager

In numbers

Witton have so far earned a total of £37,250 in prize money from five wins in FA knockout competitions.

A victory against Leamington will take that figure beyond £40,000.

Witton team news

Midfielder Billy Smart continues to serve a suspension, but Albion have been boosted by captain Rob Hopley coming through a training session on Thursday night.

He hasn’t featured since limping off during a 2-0 win against AFC Rushden & Diamonds in the previous round.

Manager Carl Macauley reports a clean bill of health for the rest of his squad, including forward Delial Brewster who has been nursing an ankle injury.

Man to keep an eye on

Will Jones

Delivered probably his best individual performance in a Witton Albion shirt last weekend, when a first goal of the campaign in a Northern Premier League fixture changed his demeanour in an instant.

The striker will be desperate to make the most of an upturn in fortunes.

Form (past six in all competitions)

Leamington W W W L D L

Witton W W L W L W

Route to this round

Leamington Exempt

Witton 2RQ bt AFC Rushden & Diamonds (h) 2-0; 1RQ bt Whitby (a) 1-0

Last season in FA Trophy

Leamington First Round

Witton First Round Qualifying

Odds (Betfred)

Leamington 3/5

Draw 3/1

Witton 4/1

Remember when…?

Witton Albion played a previous incarnation of Leamington in the FA Trophy back in 1984?

A first round tie at the Central Ground unfolded during a series of hail blizzards and a January crowd of 450 watched the visitors, then playing as Automotive Products Leamington (or AP Leamington for short), establish a 2-0 lead by the break.

Witton recovered to level before eventually bowing out following a 4-3 defeat.

Their goal-scorers that afternoon were Don Graham, who converted a penalty, Franny Firth and Tommy Smith.

Essential information

When Saturday, November 24

Kick-off 3pm

Address The Phillips 66 Community Stadium, Harbury Lane, Bishops Tachbrook, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV33 9QB

Admission Adults £12, Over 60s £8, Students (with ID) £6, Under 18s £3, Under 12s Free

Replay date Tuesday, November 27 (ko 7.45pm)

Prize money £5,000