Why should I watch..?

Winsford’s games come with a guarantee of goals this season.

However the optimism felt following a 2-1 win against Liversedge at the previous stage disappeared following a thrashing at Burscough when Blues returned to action on Tuesday.

Player-manager Lee Duckworth will expect a vastly-improved performance against in-form opponents.

Worksop Town have maximum points in the Northern Counties East League’s Premier Division and only suffered a first defeat of the campaign at higher-ranked Nantwich Town in the FA Cup last weekend.

They recovered at the first attempt when they recorded a 2-0 win at Hemsworth Miners Welfare in the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup in midweek.

What they’ve said

“We’ve done our homework, and had Worksop watched when they played at Nantwich last weekend.

“They’re a good side and will have a decent following, and so we’re expecting a difficult game.

“However it’s when we’re expected to be up against it that we’ve produced our best in the past.”

Lee Duckworth, Winsford United player-manager

Numbers game

That defeat at Burscough means Blues have conceded 21 goals in seven league games this season – an average of three every 90 minutes

It’s an important afternoon for…

The whole Winsford United team

It would be unfair to single out an individual, and instead Blues’ supporters will expect a collective response after a bitterly disappointing display at Burscough.

They did see their side produce one of their best performances of the campaign in the FA Vase’s previous round though when Pete Watling’s goal sent out Liversedge after extra-time.

Blues team news

Lee Jones sits out the third game of a suspension following his dismissal for violent conduct at Silsden last month.

Blues have a crisis in defence, where Steve Jenyons (knee) and captain Will Foster (fractured toe) are both ruled out by an injury.

Danny Kerr is back though.

Liam Collins continues to convalesce, while new recruit Caldon Henson isn’t yet ready to feature.

Player-manager Lee Duckworth may grant Danny Byrnes, an attacking midfielder, his debut.

Form guide (past six in all competitions)

Blues L W L L L L

Worksop W L W W W W

Route to this round

Winsford 1QR bt Liversedge (h) 2-1 (aet)

Worksop 1QR bt Grimsby Borough (h) 2-1

Essential information

When Saturday, September 15

Kick-off 3pm

Address Barton Stadium, Wharton Road, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 3AE

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4 (over 65s, under 21s, registered disabled), Under 16s £1

Prize money Winners £725; Losers £250

Next round Saturday, October 13