1874 NORTHWICH will have home advantage at the next stage if they eliminate Tow Low Town from the FA Vase.

A draw for the third round, published by the governing body on Monday afternoon, has paired Ashton Athletic with the victors of tomorrow night’s encounter.

Should the side managed by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison progress, then they will be relieved not to be heading to Brocstedes Park – a venue 1874 have never won at.

“An opponent that has just knocked out the favourites may not have been who we’d have picked given a choice,” reflected Goodison.

“However it’s a home draw, and I think that’s all you can hope for.

“Ashton are win the same division as us, and we know each other well.

“If nothing else, it would guarantee that a club from the North West Counties League reaches the competition’s next stage.”

For now at least, his attention is focused on Tow Law.

The Northern League second division side had been due in Cheshire last Saturday, only for the tie to be called off after the pitch failed an inspection.

The competition’s organisers have insisted on a midweek re-run despite both clubs lobbying for second-round the tie to be rescheduled for next weekend.

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes tomorrow, then extra time will be played.

If the rivals still cannot be separated, a replay will follow in Bishop Auckland next Tuesday, November 21, kick-off 7.45pm.

In the event of another postponement, then the FA will set a date for the game to take place.