Why should I watch..?
To see if Northwich Victoria can continue a sequence of wins that has seen them reach the FA Vase last eight for the first time.
They host opponents who have taken the same path once previously, in the 2013-2014 season, when they progressed to the final at Wembley.
A 1-0 success against West Auckland Town secured for them the trophy.
Steve Wilkes’ side have produced impressive performances in knockout games at Wincham Park this term, prevailing in eight of nine ties played there.
They have scored 26 goals in those matches too.
Meanwhile a five-game winning run in all competitions ended last weekend following a 2-1 defeat at City of Liverpool in the Macron Cup.
Visitors Sholing have won their past dozen matches in league and cup, and have found the net in every game since an FA Cup exit at the hands of higher-ranked Slough Town on September 25.
What they’ve said
“It’s the last eight of a national competition and we know there isn’t an easy game.
“I hope Sholing take a look at the results we’ve had to get this far and reach the same conclusion about playing us.
“We’ll certainly be ready for them.”
Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager
“Matches like this one are about what happens on the day and Lady Luck has got a lot to do with who goes through.
“It only takes a split-second to switch off, hit a back-pass the wrong way or give away a free-kick on the edge of your own box and you’re out of the competition.
“It’s fine lines. However it’s also about having self-belief.”
Dave Diaper, Sholing manager
Numbers game
Vics have won six matches to reach this stage, a run that started with a 2-0 win at home to Maltby Main back in September
It’s an important afternoon for…
Brad Cooke
During an interview with the Guardian this week, Vics’ captain predicted that the side which settles will have the best chance of reaching the last four.
That makes his experience and know-how, along with that of former FA Vase winner Lewis Brownhill and Dominic Craig, invaluable for the home team.
Vics team news
Brandon Barski and Matty Clarke both serve a suspension as punishment for being booked twice previously during this season’s edition.
However manager Steve Wilkes is optimistic Darrhyl Mason will be available after the in-form forward missed the past two matches.
He has also strengthened his squad this week with the signing of attacking midfielder Ryan Winder who arrives from Lancaster City.
John Connolly has resumed training after recovering from a hernia, but is unlikely to feature, while John Bennett (knee) is a long-term injury absentee.
Form (past six in all competitions)
Vics L W W W W W
Sholing W W W W W W
Route to this round
Vics L16 bt Histon (a) 3-1; R4 bt Newcastle Benfield (a) 3-2 R3 bt Silsden (h) 3-0; R2 bt Prestwich Heys (h) 1-0 (r); R1 bt Cammell Laird (h) 5-0; 2QR bt Maltby Main (h) 2-0
Sholing L16 Sporting Khalsa (h) 3-1; R4 Cribbs (a) 2-0; R3 Pagham (h) 6-2; R2 Malmesbury Victoria (h) 5-2; R1 bt Torpoint Ath (a) 1-0
Last season in FA Vase
Vics First Qualifying Round
Sholing Third Round
Match odds (Bet Victor)
Vics 7/4
Draw 3/1
Sholing Evens
Essential information
When Saturday, February 23
Kick- off 3pm
Address Witton Albion FC, Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA
Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 15s £2, Under 11s Free (if accompanied by paying adult)
Replay date Saturday, March 2 (ko 3pm)
Prize money Winners £4,125; Losers £1,375
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