Why should I watch..?

To see if 1874 Northwich can follow their first victory of the season with another.

A 1-0 success against Litherland REMYCA on Tuesday brought to an end a sequence of nine competitive matches without a win.

There was plenty to be encouraged by from their performance too, including an authoritative debut between the posts by James Coates.

However the visitors are playing catch-up and enter the weekend a dozen points adrift of their hosts.

Runcorn put behind them the disappointment of an FA Cup exit last Saturday when they saw off Hanley in midweek.

Chris Herbert’s men have won six of their seven North West Counties League games this season, and have been flawless in front of their own supporters.

What they’ve said

“While it was great to finally end a wait to record that first win on Tuesday night, it’s important that isn’t a stand-alone result.

“We need to take the good things from that performance and do them again [against Runcorn].

“I expect them to test us in different ways than Litherland, particularly as they play directly from back to front quickly.

“We need to be ready to deal with that.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

Runcorn ended a sequence of seven successive defeats against 1874 when they won the teams’ most recent meeting in April

It’s an important afternoon for…

Mark Jones

The midfielder delivered a performance with the hallmarks of his dominant best against Litherland in midweek, combining physical power with a willingness to make forward runs to support his side’s attack.

He’ll likely need to do the same to give 1874 the best possible chance of making it back-to-back wins.

1874 team news

Goalkeeper Matthew Green is in contention after completing a suspension, but James Coates is likely to keep his place after impressing during a midweek win.

Danny Meadowcroft is in the squad for the first time since returning to the club from Prestwich Heys, and replaces Ryan Mitchell who has work commitments.

Matthew Beadle is still away, while Sam Hind and Lee Jackson are both unavailable.

Kyle Riley will play again for Knutsford in a Cheshire League fixture at Middlewich Town.

Form guide (past six league games)

Runcorn W L W W W W

1874 W L D L D D

Last season’s meetings

Runcorn 2-1 1874 (April 19 2018)

1874 2-1 Runcorn (February 17 2018)

Essential information

When Saturday, September 15

Kick-off 3pm

Address Viridor Community Stadium, Sandy Lane, Weston Point, Runcorn WA7 4ET

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (over 65s, students, under 16s) £3, Accompanied under 16s Free

Parking Free at the ground