Why should I watch..?

To see if Vics can end a wait to celebrate a victory against 1874 Northwich.

Steve Wilkes’ side enter the weekend buoyed by seeing his side stop a run of three successive defeats in the North West Counties League when they put four goals without reply past Padiham on Tuesday.

It leaves them three points clear of their neighbours at kick-off.

1874 lost 4-2 at home to Irlam last time out, a contest they had started with a single defeat to their name in the Premier Division during their previous dozen outings.

That improved run of results leaves them just outside the table’s top 10.

What they’ve said

“I was pleased to see us bounce back [against Padiham on Tuesday] after two previous defeats and we were clinical in the second-half.

“I’m expecting a tough game against a good 1874 Northwich side but it’s one we go into with a spring in our step after a convincing win.”

Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager

“They’ll probably consider themselves as favourites because they’re above us in the league and are enjoying a great run in the FA Vase as well as coming off the back of a 4-0 win.

“All the games between the teams I’ve been involved with have been open and good to watch and I expect this one to be the same.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

Vics have failed to register a win against 1874 from seven previous meetings in all competitions.

There have been two draws.

Key battle

Rob Doran v Jack Pritchard

1874 Northwich will be relieved to have their influential defender available again after a suspension and he’ll need to be at his best to help teammates counter the threat posed by an in-form opponent.

Rob Doran followed a hat-trick against Irlam on Boxing Day with another when Vics brushed aside Padiham in midweek, increasing his goals tally for the season to 15 in all competitions.

Vics team news

Steve Wilkes reported on Friday that he has everybody available to pick from apart from long-term injury absentees John Bennett (knee) and John Connolly (hernia).

That includes Brad Cooke, who was rested for a 4-0 win at Padiham in midweek.

1874 team news

Jack Pritchard returns in defence after completing a suspension but Mark Jones (ankle) hasn’t recovered from an injury in time.

Captain Matthew Woolley is a guest at former teammate Matt Conkie’s wedding and is unavailable.

Lee Jackson continues to deputise at left-back in the absence of injured duo Matthew Russell (shoulder) and Jack Tinning (knee).

Kyle Riley is ruled out by illness, while Sam Freakes, Ryan Jackson and Joe Woolley (all knee) are long-term absentees.

Form guide (past six league games)

Vics W L L L W W

1874 L W W D L D

Previous meeting this season

1874 1-1 Vics (August 27, 2018)

Last season’s meetings

1874 2-1 Vics (May 9, 2018)

Vics 0-2 1874 (January 30, 2018)

Discipline

Vics Y40 R3

1874 Y40 R4

Essential information

When Saturday, January 19

Kick-off 3pm

Address Witton Albion FC, Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s £2, Under 12s Free (if accompanied by paying adult)

Parking Available for free at the ground