ROTATION is part of Chris Herbert’s thinking with his 1874 Northwich team selection this season.

He said that was the case at the weekend when the Greens progressed in the FA Cup with a 3-1 win at Longridge Town.

Ash Wardle, Vinny Wright and Harvey Rhoades did not feature, but could do so when 1874 visit Wakefield in the FA Vase first qualifying round on Saturday – which precedes the ‘derby’ away to Northwich Victoria in the Midland Premier League at Barton Stadium, Winsford, on Monday.

“Both (Ash and Vinny) will probably be okay for the weekend,” said Herbert.

“It’s giving me selection headaches and that’s what we want.

“We’ve got 20-odd players now and it’s important that we rotate when we get chance to.

“Harvey Rhoades had a rest at the weekend and he’s due back in as well.

“It’s about giving lads a rest at the right times, when we know we can bring lads in that suit the system to play who we’re playing against.”

1874 strike legend Scott McGowan got his first start of the season after returning to the club for the 2024/25 campaign and rewarded Herbert with the goal that put 1874 into a lead they never lost.

Herbert said: “Scotty McGowan coming back in was a big one for us.

“Getting his goal as well – he’s needed it, wanted it, he’s been chomping at the bit and it’s been non-stop from him.

“He’s deserved his chance and he took it.”

Also starting out in the FA Vase this Friday, Northwich Victoria will be away to AFC Liverpool (kick-off 8pm), and then on Saturday Barnton will visit Bottesford while Winsford United will host REMYCA United.

And in the Northern Premier League, Witton Albion will head to Atherton Collieries on Saturday and then host Runcorn Linnets on Monday.

There will be bank holiday Monday action in the North West Counties League as well for Winsford United, who visit Eccleshall, while Barnton will travel to Foley Meir.

All fixtures mentioned above kick-off at 3pm unless stated otherwise.