Pitch inspection


Why should I watch..?

To see who comes out on top in a fixture between two of the North West Counties League’s form sides.

1874 Northwich have won six successive matches in all competitions, while Padiham have climbed to sixth in the table after collecting maximum points from five of their past eight fixtures.

The visitors will be desperate to record another victory at the start of a week in which they are scheduled to play two knockout ties.

They travel north with confidence too after prevailing on each of their previous three visits.

Padiham are proving resilient under management duo Liam Smith and Dixon Lambert, and bounced back from a surprise midweek defeat at home to Abbey Hey by beating Irlam last Saturday.

What they’ve said

“This game marks the start of a crucial period for us.

“Our target is to reach January and to have put ourselves in a position to challenge.

“The players aren’t worried about the number of games we’ve got to play – it’s not how they think. They don’t care; they just want to be out there and be part of it.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

1874 Northwich haven’t won seven successive matches in league and cup in more than three years – a sequence between September 27 and October 28 2014

Man to keep an eye on

Sam Hind

It may not be his preferred way, but the attacker made an impact as a substitute during last weekend’s win against West Didsbury & Chorlton.

It was his cross for Scott McGowan that enabled the hosts to break through.

Hind’s versatility, and strong running, make him a threat should he be introduced against tiring opponents.

1874 team news

Influential midfielder Mark Jones (ankle) must pass a fitness test in order to feature after sustaining an injury during last weekend’s win against West Didsbury & Chorlton.

Defensive duo Danny Meadowcroft and Jack Lever both came through a training session on Thursday, and could feature.

However Ryan Mitchell is unavailable.

Form guide (past six in league)

Padiham W L W D W L

1874 W W W L D D

Most recent meetings

1874 2-0 Padiham (NWCFL Premier Division, August 26 2017)

Padiham 1-3 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, March 25 2017)

1874 1-2 Padiham (NWCFL Premier Division, March 4 2017)

Essential information

When Saturday, November 25

Kick-off 3pm

Address Arbories Memorial Sports Ground, Well Street, Padiham, Lancashire BB12 8LE

Admission Adults ÂŁ6, Concessions ÂŁ3

Parking Available for free at the ground. Spaces on nearby streets if required.