Why should I watch..?
To see if Northwich Victoria can record four successive wins in the North West Counties League for the first time this season.
They bring with them momentum from a stunning FA Vase triumph last weekend and have their sights set on catching Barnoldswick Town in fourth place.
Steve Wilkes has the option of shuffling his pack and includes new signings Lewis Brownhill and Michael Roddy in the squad for the first time since their arrival.
Abbey Hey are bottom of the table, and 10 points adrift of a position of safety, but have improved under former Winsford United manager Rob Byrne.
They were sank only by a stoppage-time winner during a 3-2 defeat at home to Bootle a fortnight ago.
What they’ve said
“The postponement of our game [at Barnoldswick] on Tuesday has helped because we’ve been able to give everybody a breather after last weekend’s FA Vase success.
“We needed one too.
“We want to finish as high as we can in the league and so it’s important to continue picking up as many points as possible.”
Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager
In numbers
Abbey Hey have lost the past six North West Counties League matches on home turf, conceding 28 goals
A man in form
Darrhyl Mason
The attacker has scored in each of Vics’ past two games but his ability to stretch opposition defences with a wide starting position has been a potent weapon.
Has established himself as an essential part of a three-man front-line alongside Joel Brownhill and Rob Doran that poses a formidable threat.
Vics team news
Midfielder Billy Whittle is ruled out by a facial injury sustained while training with Southport.
However manager Steve Wilkes has everybody else available to pick from, including new recruits Lewis Brownhill and Michael Roddy.
John Bennett (knee) and John Connolly (groin) are long-term injury absentees.
Form guide (past six league games)
Abbey Hey L L W L W L
Vics W W W L L L
Discipline
Abbey Hey Y52 R5
Vics Y46 R3
Last season’s meetings
Abbey Hey 1-2 Vics (October 28, 2017)
Vics 0-2 Abbey Hey (August 26, 2017)
Previous meeting this season
Vics 3-1 Abbey Hey (September 5, 2018)
Essential information
When Saturday, February 9
Kick-off 3pm
Address The Abbey Stadium, Goredale Avenue, Gorton, Manchester M18 7HD
Admission Adults £5, Concessions £3
Parking Available for free inside the ground
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