Why should I watch..?

To see how Vics respond to the disappointment of losing at home last weekend, a result that manager Steve Wilkes described afterwards as a missed opportunity.

His side would have risen to fourth in the North West Counties League top-flight had they beaten Bootle, only to concede three times in the opening quarter-hour.

A second-half rally wasn’t enough to avoid a third home defeat of the campaign.

They prepare to host a Charnock Richard side they have beaten already this term, running out 2-1 victors last month.

However their guests on Saturday have improved since then, ending a five-match sequence when they didn’t collect maximum points by winning back-to-back games against West Didsbury & Chorlton (1-0) and then Litherland (4-0).

What they’ve said

“We know what to expect from Charnock Richard and spent time in training [on Thursday] working on how we plan to stop them doing what they’re good at.

“While that’s important, we’ll also be looking to put behind us the disappointment of losing last weekend when a poor start cost against Bootle us dearly.

“We can’t let that happen again.”

Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager

In numbers

Vics had won seven of their previous eight matches in all competitions before losing at home to Bootle last weekend

A man in form

Joel Brownhill

The front man has scored in his past five appearances for Vics, increasing his goals tally for the campaign to 16 in all competitions.

A threat from set-pieces as well as when shooting from outside of the penalty area, he also put Steve Wilkes’ side in front when the teams met in Lancashire last month.

Vics team news

Kirtis Monson returns after a three-match ban, coincidentally following a red card against Charnock in the return fixture last month.

Reece McNally, who has stood in effectively during his absence, is back with Prescot Cables.

Manager Steve Wilkes reports that Kieron Kenny is healthy again, while new recruits Max Broughton and Jordan Boon – both of them teenagers from Bolton Wanderers’ academy – are available for selection.

Meanwhile another youngster, Jordan Darr, has completed a permanent transfer from Chorley this week too.

Form guide (past six league games)

Vics L W W W L W

Charnock   W W L L L L

Discipline

Vics Y37 R3

Charnock Y46 R2

Last season’s meetings

Charnock Richard 3-2 Vics (April 26, 2018)

Vics 0-2 Charnock Richard (January 23, 2018)

Previous meeting this season

Charnock 1-2 Vics: match report

Essential information

When Saturday, December 22

Kick-off 3pm

Address Witton Albion FC, Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s £2, Under 12s Free (if accompanied by paying adult)

Parking Available for free at the ground