Why should I watch..?
Because this has the makings to be of one of the best games between the teams.
It is probably the first time they both enter a derby meeting while in something approaching their best form.
Vics were eliminated from the FA Vase at the semi-finals stage following a penalty shoot-out reverse against Chertsey but have responded by collecting seven points from three North West Counties League matches.
That tally would have been higher had Terry Gibson not headed an injury-time leveller for Burscough at the weekend.
In a wider context, Steve Wilkes’ side have been beaten only once in their past 10 Premier Division matches.
The numbers for 1874 are similarly impressive; a 2-0 victory against Barnoldswick on Tuesday means they too have been on the wrong end of a result just once in the past 10 outings in all competitions.
That sequence includes a 7-0 trouncing of Congleton Town on aggregate in a Macron Cup semi-final, meaning they have an opportunity tonight to keep alive hopes of winning two trophies.
A win for them would also lead to a third appearance in a Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup final in the past four seasons.
What they’ve said
"This is always a big game because of who it’s against.
“However it probably takes on more significance for us having lost [at Chertsey] in the FA Vase semi-final.
“If 1874 beat us, then they’ll be in two cup finals.”
Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria’s manager
"We got into this game in a better position from a selection point of view than previously.
“We’ve definitely improved since then and we know which areas we have to do better in.
“I think Vics managed the game better than we did [in January], in part because they had more know-how on the pitch.”
Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager
Remember this
There is no extra time if the scores are level after 90 minutes. Should that happen, a penalty shoot-out will follow.
Winsford United, who eliminated holders Witton Albion in the other last-four encounter, await the victors.
Vics team news
Steve Wilkes gave his squad a night off from training on Tuesday following an eight-day run when they played four games – the first of those an epic FA Vase semi-final second leg at Chertsey Town.
Matty Clarke, Dom Craig and Darrhyl Mason are all back in contention after they were rested for a 2-2 draw with Burscough on Sunday.
Rob Doran (shoulder) is the only doubt after coming off during the same game
Paul Ennis, a match-winner on his debut last week following a transfer from Ashton United, is eligible.
1874 team news
Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison made eight changes to a side that had eliminated Congleton Town from the Macron Cup last weekend when 1874 Northwich hosted Barnoldswick on Tuesday.
Most of those rested for that game are expected to return for this one, although midfielder Jack Irlam (ankle) is ruled out by injury.
Sam Freakes, Ryan Jackson, Jack Tinning and Joe Woolley (all knee) are long-term absentees.
Form guide (past six games in all competitions)
Vics D W W L L D
1874 W W W D D W
Disciplinary
Vics Y53 R4
1874 Y50 R4
Last season in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup
Vics First round
1874 Semi-finals
Route to this round
Vics R1 v Barnton (a) 3-3 (Vics won 4-3 on penalties)
1874 Exempt to semi-finals
Previous meetings this season
Vics 3-2 1874 (January 19, 2019)
1874 1-1 Vics (August 27, 2018)
Essential information
When Thursday, April 11
Kick-off 7.45pm
Address Witton Albion FC, Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA
Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s £2, Accompanied under 12s Free
Parking Free at the ground
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