Why should I watch..?

To see if 1874 Northwich can continue what is already a historic run in the FA Vase this season.

They have progressed through five rounds to reach the last 32, including a 2-0 win against Ashton Athletic last month.

That victory forms part of what is a club record sequence of nine in all competitions.

Pontefract Collieries have also never previously played in the fourth round, and travel to Northwich occupying third place in the Northern Counties East League’s top-flight.

They have eliminated three teams from the North West Counties League, including 1874’s landlords Winsford United, to get this far.

What they’ve said

“We’ve done our homework on Pontefract, and have plenty of information about them.

“However we don’t want our preparation to be any different, and so will still approach the game hoping to impose ourselves on it rather than worry too much about what our opponents might do.

“It’s going to be an emotional occasion for everybody associated with the club.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

1874 have played twice previously at Wincham Park in Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup games against Witton Albion, losing the first and prevailing in the other – which was also the final in the 2015-2016 season

Man to keep an eye on

Taylor Kennerley

He was the outstanding individual performer when 1874 thrashed Maine Road last time out, and not just because he scored twice.

His direct dribbling and speed on the flank will be crucial in stretching the visitors’ defence, particularly if Sam Hind – whose instinct will be to cut inside – is selected to stand in for Adam Whitlock on the right flank.

1874 team news

Danny Meadowcroft (foot) and Adam Whitlock (ankle) are both ruled out by an injury.

Everybody else is available for selection, including Danny Thomas and Ryan Jackson after they came through a practice match against Poynton last weekend unscathed, save for long-term absentee Joe Woolley (knee).

Route to this round

1874 3R bt Ashton Ath (h) 2-0; 2R bt Tow Law (h) 5-1; 1R bt Irlam (a) 4-1; 2QR (r) bt Congleton (a) 1-0; 1QR bt Vauxhall Motors (a) 5-4 (aet)

Pontefract 3R Worksop Town (h) 3-0; 2R bt Hall Road (a) 4-2 (aet); 1R bt Litherland (h) 3-1; 1QR bt Winsford (a) 4-1; PR bt Maine Road (a) 5-1

Form (past six in all competitions)

1874 W W W W W W

Pontefract L W W W W W

Most recent meetings

None; this is a first competitive fixture between the two teams

Essential information

When Sunday, January 7

Kick- off 3pm

Address Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (NUS/OAP) £4, Under 16s Free

Replay date Saturday, January 13 (kick-off 3pm)

Prize money Winners £1,875; Losers £625

Parking Free at the ground