Match postponed

Why should I watch..?

To see if Witton can follow up a stunning victory at Northern Premier League leaders Altrincham on New Year’s Day.

Albion twice trailed, initially to Jordan Hulme’s opener and then after the Robins had overturned an interval deficit, before Tom Owens and Will Jones both netted in the closing stages.

Carl Macauley’s men are unbeaten now in their past five Premier Division matches away from Wincham Park.

They can complete a double too on Saturday after dispatching Stalybridge in the return fixture back in September.

However they will take on hosts buoyed by ending a four-game losing sequence in style when they put five goals past Lancaster last time out.

What they’ve said

“We’ve got to kick on after beating Lancaster. That’s important, and we haven’t done that previously.

“That’s frustrating, because I feel we’re more than capable of doing so.

“We’ve watched Witton; they are a good side and enjoyed a decent win against Altrincham on Monday.”

Steve Burr, Stalybridge Celtic manager

“The result against Altrincham is one that will make people take notice.

“Our performances away to Stourbridge, Shaw Lane and Altrincham shows how close we are to those teams and I’ve no doubt the lads will be boosted by that.

“There are still ways in which we can improve though.”

Carl Macauley, Witton Albion manager

Numbers game

Witton are unbeaten in their past six away fixtures in all competitions, a run that started with a draw against Stourbridge at the start of November

Witton team news

Joel Bembo-Leta serves a one-match suspension as punishment for his dismissal against Barwell last weekend.

Owen Dale (groin) has added his name to an injury list that already includes Anthony Brown (knee), Anthony Gardner (ankle), Nick Ryan (fractured jaw) and Paul Williams (knee).

However River Humphreys, a central defender, has arrived this week from Widnes.

Man to keep an eye on

Prince Haywood

The midfielder was outstanding on New Year’s Day, when he was deployed in a man-to-man marking role on Altrincham’s James Poole.

He completed his task impressively, and even found time to join Witton’s attacks when the opportunity arose.

Had filled in a full-back since Anthony Gardner sustained an injury at Shaw Lane last month, but served a reminder of his capability in the middle of the field at Moss Lane.

Form guide (past six in league)

Stalybridge W L L L L W

Witton W D L W D L

Most recent meetings

Witton 4-1 Stalybridge (NPL Premier Division, September 19 2017)

Stalybridge 2-1 Witton (FA Cup 2QR replay, September 20 2016)

Witton 1-1 Stalybridge (FA Cup 2QR, September 17 2016)

Familiar faces

Three Witton players – Prince Haywood, Cesaire Lingouba and Steven Tames – line up against their former club.

Nick Ryan and Joel Bembo-Leta, both unavailable, have also previously called Bower Fold their home.

Albion supporters will recognise left-back Lee Neville, who signed for Stalybridge in the summer.

Odds (Skybet)

Stalybridge 6/4

Draw 11/4

Witton 6/5

Essential information

When Saturday, January 6

Kick-off 3pm

Address Bower Fold, Mottram Road, Stalybridge, Cheshire SK15 2RT

Admission Adults £10, Concessions £6,

Parking Available at the ground, with a £1 charge. Alternatively, spectators can park on Mottram Road