Following successive defeats in knockout competitions – the FA Cup and then the FA Vase – Winsford return to a league programme in which they’re playing catch-up.
That backlog was not helped by the abandonment of Monday’s Premier Division encounter with Irlam after young defender George Ward sustained a serious injury.
“It was the correct decision to call the game off,” said player-manager Lee Duckworth.
“George is in good spirits, and we’ll provide him with the support he needs while he recovers.”
Numbers game
Blues’ run to the FA Cup first qualifying round, where they took Northern Premier League high-fliers Whitby to a replay, means they have only played four league fixtures.
That leaves them with up to six games in hand on New Mills, their guests this weekend.
The Millers, relegated back to the North West Counties League at the end of last season, started with two wins from their first three matches.
However they have won only one of the next seven.
Man to keep an eye on
Harry Brazel
The midfielder’s energy and industry has been a constant in a change cast of midfielders for Winsford this season.
Blues will need more of the same from him if they are to record only a second league win of the campaign when New Mills visit.
Winsford team news
Adam Bayley (ankle) and Danny Hudson (hamstring) are ruled out by injury, while young full-back George Ward’s campaign is almost certainly over after he broke two bones in his leg during Monday’s meeting with Irlam.
Defender Sam Parr is fit again, but at least half-a-dozen others – among them Dean Clarke, Ryan Mellor, James Rothwell, Aaron Stott and Sean Tierney – are all hoping to shake off niggles in time to play.
Most recent meetings
New Mills 0-1 Winsford United (NWCFL Challenge Cup final, May 11 2011)
Winsford 3-0 New Mills (NWCFL Premier Division, October 12 2010)
New Mills 2-0 Winsford (NWCFL Premier Division, September 6 2010)
Form (past six in all competitions)
Winsford L L D D L W
New Mills D L W L D 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
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