Winsford United showed further signs in midweek that they have recovered quickly from the disappointment of exiting FA Cup competitions in successive matches this month.

That strength of character was needed too; Blues have come from behind to beat New Mills and Cammell Laird since.

Darwen’s form on their travels has been better than in front of their own supporters, with both league wins to date arriving away from home.

They will be hurting though following a 6-0 defeat against Maine Road on Wednesday night.

Numbers game

Winsford’s target is to win three successive league matches for the first time since March, a sequence that coincidentally included a win against AFC Darwen.

Expect goals; Blues have only failed to score once this term, while at the other end they have a single shutout to their name.

Meanwhile their guests this weekend have the worst defensive record outside of the Premier Division’s bottom three after shipping 31 goals in nine games to date.

Man to keep an eye on

Nathan Cotterell

Obvious choice, of course, after he scored back-to-back hat-tricks in wins against New Mills and Cammell Laird in the past seven days.

The front man is one of the Premier Division’s form players, with 13 goals to his name already.

There are promising signs too of a burgeoning partnership with captain Kyle Riley after the duo combined for three of Blues’ four goals in midweek.

Winsford team news

Harry Brazel and Danny Egan are both ruled out by injuries sustained during last Saturday’s 3-1 win against New Mills.

They join Adam Bayley (ankle), Danny Hudson (hamstring) and George Ward (leg) on the sidelines.

Most recent meetings

Darwen 1-2 Winsford (NWCFL Premier Division, March 19 2016)

Winsford 0-3 Darwen (NWCFL Premier Division, February 27 2016)

Form (past six in Premier Division)

Winsford W W D L W L

Darwen L L W D W L

Essential information

Address St Luke’s Barton Stadium, Wharton Road, Winsford CW7 3AE

Kick off 3pm

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (NUS/OAP/Under 16s) £3, Under 21s £1