Why should I watch..?

To see if Witton can achieve a feat that nobody else has since Workington on September 12 – and that’s to beat Altrincham in a league game.

Their task is a daunting one though; only Stafford have won at Moss Lane this season, and that was on the campaign’s opening day.

Carl Macauley’s men have been in better form on their travels though, and are unbeaten in their past four Premier Division fixtures away from home.

That sequence includes creditable draws at Stourbridge and Shaw Lane.

Alty are looking formidable though, and have recorded a hat-trick of 3-0 wins since an FA Trophy replay defeat at home to Warrington before Christmas.

What they’ve said

“It would be fantastic to finish the Christmas period with maximum points.

“Witton are top opposition, and we’ll have to be at our best.

“It’s a great feeling to be on a winning run though; the lads love it, and they’ll make it difficult for Witton who will have to work their socks off if they’re going to beat us.”

Phil Parkinson, Altrincham manager

“Alty are probably the only team this season that have well and truly beaten us. They were comfortable winners at our place.

“They have good players right through a strong squad; that means they can make changes and not be weaker, which is why they’re top of the league.

“I’ve always loved going there as a player and a manager, and our lads will have taken confidence from the way they came back [against Barwell].”

Gary Martindale, Witton Albion assistant manager

Numbers game

Altrincham are unbeaten in their past 16 Northern Premier League Premier Division matches, a sequence that started on September 19

Altrincham team news

Manager Phil Parkinson indicated following Saturday’s win at Coalville that he intends to make changes to the Robins’ starting line-up.

Lewis Short was left out of the squad at the weekend, while recent recruit Andy White is waiting to make his debut.

Full-back John Disney (ankle) is a long-term absentee.

Witton team news

Joel Bembo-Leta, signed from Altrincham last week, is ineligible according to the terms of an agreement struck between the clubs.

Meanwhile Anthony Brown (knee), Anthony Gardner (ankle), Nick Ryan (fractured cheekbone) and Paul Williams (knee) are ruled out by injury.

Man to keep an eye on

Calvin Hare

Altrincham have only failed to score twice in the league since a 1-0 defeat at Matlock on August 19, and they were in goalless draws at Stalybridge and Warrington.

The Robins have found the net in every home game since losing to Stafford on the season’s opening day, and Witton’s goalkeeper will have to play well if they are to have any chance of prevailing.

Form guide (past six in league)

Altrincham W W W W W L

Witton D L W D L W

Most recent meetings

Witton 0-2 Altrincham (NPL Premier Division, August 26 2017)

Altrincham 0-2 Witton (FA Cup 2QR, October 1 2011)

Altrincham 4-0 Witton (Cheshire FA Senior Cup, January 20 2009)

Familiar faces

Defender Ben Harrison and wide man Josh Hancock will need no introduction to Witton Albion supporters after playing a key part in the club’s promotion success via the play-offs in 2012.

Striker Tom Peers is another to have played for the Northwich club previously, making a handful of appearances as a substitute four years ago while on a youth loan to the club from Chester.

Remember when…?

Witton Albion won an FA Cup tie at Moss Lane when they weren’t expected to?

Brian Pritchard’s men were 2-0 victors on October 1, 2011 against their hosts – who were ranked 42 places higher at kick-off – thanks to goals from Alex Titchiner and substitute Mark Buchan.

Their leading scorer wriggled past Mark Lees to fire them in front after quarter of an hour before Buchan added gloss when he raced onto Josh Hancock’s assist to settle the outcome with three minutes left.

Odds (Betfred)

Altrincham 8/11

Draw 3/1

Witton 3/1

Essential information

When Monday, January 1

Kick-off 3pm

Address J Davidson Stadium, Moss Lane, Altrincham WA15 8AP

Admission Adults £10, Concessions (inc. students) £7, Under 16s £4, Under 12s £1