Why should I watch..?

To see if Barnton can follow a first league victory of the campaign at West Didsbury in midweek with another.

The Villagers had failed to win any of their previous 18 Premier Division fixtures before an impressive 4-1 success achieved without leading goal-scorer Chris Smith.

They can climb from the bottom of the table if they repeat the trick against visitors Burscough, who sit second-bottom.

The Linnets have struggled to adjust to life at a lower level following their relegation from the Northern Premier League at the end of last season, winning only two games.

However both of those successes have arrived in recent weeks.

They have lost six of their eight away games though.

What they’ve said

“It’s a massive game. To us, one of the biggest we’ve played this season.

“We see it as a chance to take another step forward, and we won’t be underestimating Burscough at all just because they’re only one place above us.

“A win will take us off the bottom of the table, and that’s a great incentive for the players.”

Steve Lloyd, Barnton manager

Numbers game

Barnton haven’t won successive league games in 2017, and Saturday represents an opportunity to do so after a 4-1 victory in midweek

Man to keep an eye on

Andrew Alston

The experienced defender, who started the current campaign as first-team coach at Northwich Victoria, is expected to make his debut.

Steve Lloyd hopes the 37-year-old can fill a vacancy created by Danny Meadowcroft’s departure to 1874 Northwich over the summer, as well as help strengthen a backline that has conceded 66 goals in 19 games.

Barnton team news

The Villagers will wait until the latest possible moment to make a decision on Jack Woolley’s involvement after he sustained an ankle injury in midweek.

However Ryan Malone is unavailable due to work commitments, and Jordan Stafford is still banned.

Leading goal-scorer Chris Smith returns after sitting out that 4-1 success against West, while Jack McKay (ankle) and Jonny Jones (knee) are long-term injury absentees.

Form guide (past six in league)

Barnton W L L L L L

Burscough L W L W L L

Most recent meetings

None; this is a first competitive fixture between the clubs

Essential information

When Saturday, November 18

Kick-off 3pm

Address Townfield, Townfield Lane, Barnton , Northwich CW8 4LH

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s Free

Parking Limited at Memorial Hall next to ground entrance. Club advises spectators use Barnton Library on Townfield Lane.