Why should I watch..?

To see if Witton can put behind them back-to-back defeats on their travels following narrow reverses at Hyde United and then Lancaster City last month.

Albion have been reliable away from Wincham Park, and have the best away record in the Premier Division outside of the table’s top-six teams.

They haven’t played in the past fortnight following the postponement of last Saturday’s home date with Buxton because of the weather, a break that has allowed River Humphreys extra time to recover from an ankle injury.

Hosts Stalybridge are seeking a double after winning 3-1 in Northwich earlier this season and have lost only one of their past seven Premier Division matches.

They have toiled in front of their own supporters of late, drawing four successive matches before a 1-0 victory against Hednesford Town last month.

What they’ve said

“We haven’t been outplayed by anybody, far from it.

“Instead we’ve competed from the first minute until the last and we’ll continue to do that.”

Gary Martindale, Witton Albion assistant manager

Numbers game

All five Witton fixtures during 2019 have finished 1-0 with Albion winning on two of those occasions against Nantwich and Matlock

Stalybridge team news

Josh Solomon-Davies, Scott Wilson, Jack Taylor and Elliott Cooke are doubtful, while Michael Clarke and Liam Tongue are carrying niggles.

Witton team news

Carl Macauley has reported a fully fit squad, including defender River Humphreys, for a trip to Bower Fold.

Chris Noone (knee) and Nick Ryan (leg) are both long-term injury absentees.

Form guide (past six league games)

Stalybridge D D W L W D

Witton L L W L W L

Disciplinary

Stalybridge Y47 R2

Witton Y47 R2

Last season’s meetings

Stalybridge 0-5 Witton (April 26, 2018)

Witton 4-1 Stalybridge (September 19, 2017)

Previous meeting this season

Witton 1-3 Stalybridge: match report

From the archive…

Do you remember Witton’s visit to Bower Fold last season?

Carl Macauley’s men recorded their biggest win of the season, putting five goals without reply past their hosts to secure a seventh-place finish on their return to the Northern Premier League’s top-flight.

Here’s how the Guardian reported it: Stalybridge 0-5 Witton: match report

Odds (Bet Victor)

Stalybridge 11/8

Draw 5/2

Witton 9/5

Essential information

When Saturday, February 9

Kick-off 3pm                           

Address Bower Fold, Mottram Road, Stalybridge, Cheshire SK15 2RT

Admission Adults £10, Concessions £6

Parking Available for £1 at the ground