Why should I watch..?

To see which side can land a first blow in a battle over two games to decide who progresses to this season’s Macron Cup final.

Congleton enter the weekend buoyed by a 2-1 win against Northwich Victoria that improves their chances of finishing third in the North West Counties League’s top-flight.

That put behind them back-to-back defeats in the Premier Division.

1874 Northwich have lost only one of their past seven matches in all competitions – a 2-0 reverse at Bootle earlier this month – and drew with Squires Gate on Tuesday.

They reached the last four on their debut five seasons ago, bowing out after a 6-1 aggregate defeat against Maine Road.

It means both teams are trying to reach the final for the first time.

READ > What happened in Tuesday night's football matches

What they’ve said

“Every time we come up against Congleton it’s a good game because we both play an attacking style and the spirit of those contests always seems to be decent as well.

“I don’t think there will be much between us judging by the league meetings earlier this season and that should make for an exciting cup tie over two legs.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

Congleton have yet to concede a goal during this season’s Macron Cup, shutting out four opponents to get this far

1874 team news

Full-back Lee Jackson (knee) has succumbed to an injury and is ruled out of a meeting with his former club.

Meanwhile midfielder Jake Parker is ineligible after featuring for Wythenshawe Town in a second-round encounter with Avro in November.

However management duo Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison welcome back Michael Koral and Aaron Smith after they were rested for a draw with Squires Gate in midweek.

Kazim Waite-Jackson is back too after impressing for the under 21s on Thursday night.

Sam Freakes, Ryan Jackson, Jack Tinning and Joe Woolley (all knee) are long-term injury absentees.

Form guide (past six games in all competitions)

Congleton W L L W W L

1874 D D W L W W

Disciplinary

Congleton Y58 R4

1874 Y48 R4

Last season in the Macron Cup

Congleton First Round

1874 Third Round

Route to this round

Congleton QF bt Cammell Laird (h) 6-0; R3 Abbey Hulton (a) 1-0; R2 bt Stone Dominoes (a) 4-0; R1 bt Barnton (a) 4-0

1874 QF bt Barnoldswick (h) 3-2; R3 bt Abbey Hey (a) 4-1; R2 bt AFC Blackpool (h) 5-0; R1 bt Chadderton (a) 4-3

Previous meetings this season

1874 3-2 Congleton (Premier Division, January 5 2019)

Congleton 0-1 1874 (Premier Division, October 9 2018)

Essential information

When Saturday, March 30

Kick-off 3pm

Address Cheshire Silk 106.9 Stadium, Booth Street, off Crescent Road, Congleton CW12 4DG

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Accompanied under 12s Free

Parking Available on Booth Street, by Congleton Cricket Club, or on West Street