1874 v Winsford: preview

With games against Winsford and then back-markers Cammell Laird before the end of 2016, Ian Street’s target is a maximum points haul for 1874 Northwich.

His squad is depleted through by injuries and suspensions for a first league meeting of the campaign with their landlords.

Blues will feel more optimistic than they did 10 days ago following vastly-improved performances against Irlam – a game that was abandoned with them leading 4-1 – and AFC Liverpool last weekend.

Numbers game

1874 have won their past four Premier Division fixtures – their best sequence of the campaign.

It has taken them to within a point of second-placed Runcorn Linnets in the table.

Meanwhile Winsford ended a run of eight games without a victory when they saw off AFC Liverpool at St Luke’s Barton Stadium seven days ago.

A shut-out the same evening was only their first in the league since August 16.

Man to keep an eye on

Sam Hare

If Dahrius Waldron succumbs to an injury sustained in last weekend’s meeting with AFC Liverpool, then the former Glossop North End man will have the keys to 1874 Northwich’s midfield.

He is in form and, as his side’s best passer, will be tasked with providing the ammunition for Tom Bailey and Scott McGowan in attack.

1874 team news

Full-backs Paul Connor and Matthew Russell are both suspended, while Lee Jones is ineligible to play against his former club.

Newcomer Thomas Westall, who has played for Altrincham’s reserves in the Cheshire League top flight this season, will fill in.

Joe Woolley (hamstring) is definitely out, while Tyler Edwards (calf), Ryan Jackson (knee) and Dahrius Waldron (groin) will be assessed after limping off during last Saturday’s win at AFC Liverpool.

Winsford team news

Player-manager Lee Duckworth is banned, but Danny Egan, Dale Jennings and Robbie Hatton return after suspensions.

Front pair Jordan Johnson and Thomas Fisher, who both missed a 2-0 victory against AFC Liverpool on Monday, are available again too.

Their stand-ins, former 1874 striker David Short and captain Kyle Riley, netted Blues’ goals in that game.

Andy Jones was preferred in goal to recent recruit Jack Burton following Michael Langley’s departure last week to Runcorn Town.

Remember when…

The teams met for the first time back in December 2014?

Dale Jennings scored the only goal during the first half of an eventful contest that saw Winsford goalkeeper Dean Williams save two penalties.

Matthew Woolley, for 1874, and Blues’ Will Wareing were both dismissed.

Ian Street’s side had avoided defeat in their previous 16 matches.

Here’s how we reported it: http://bit.ly/2hCOdVU

Most recent meetings

1874 2-2 Winsford (NWCFL Premier Division, April 20 2016)

Winsford 0-3 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, February 29 2016)

1874 4-0 Winsford (NWCFL Challenge Cup, October 24 2015)

Form (past six in league)

1874 W W W W D L

Winsford W L L D L L

Essential information

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

Kick off 3pm

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (NUS/OAP) £4, Under 12s Free