Why should I watch..?

Winsford’s two meetings with Maine Road last season yielded 10 goals, and a pair of wins for Lee Duckworth’s men.

It’s a theme that has continued during pre-season; a 5-3 reverse at Holywell in a friendly last weekend was followed by a four-goal humbling at home to Altrincham in midweek.

Blues are guaranteed to be an entertaining watch this term with a clutch of wingers – Scott Taylor, Brandon Moores and Ryan Steele have been joined this summer by Callam Gardner – supporting Jordan Johnson in attack.

What they’ve said

“They know all about us, and we do them; Maine Road are always a young, hard-working side that is hard to beat on their own pitch and I don’t expect this weekend to be any different.”

Lee Duckworth, Winsford United player-manager

Numbers game

Winsford’s run to the first qualifying round last term was their best in more than a decade, culminating in a replay defeat against higher-ranked Whitby.

They have also won four of their past five meetings with Maine Road in all competitions.

Man to keep an eye on

Jordan Johnson

Tasked with stepping into shoes vacated by Kyle Riley, who has signed for tenants 1874 Northwich via Glossop North End.

The Winsford-based front man has proved already he is up to the task after finding the net more than 20 times last term.

Will benefit from the speed and movement of Michael Koral, a new arrival from Congleton, alongside him in Blues’ attack.

Winsford team news

New recruit Ryan Hopper is on holiday, while Liam Collins and Robbie Hatton are unavailable. Blues’ other recruits can play.

Remember when…?

Jordan Johnson scored the winner during a thriller at Brantingham Road last season.

The teams had traded four goals during the opening half-hour before Blues’ in-form front man settled the outcome in the second period.

Most recent meetings

Maine Road 2-3 Winsford (NWCFL Premier Division, February 11 2017)

Winsford 3-2 Maine Road (NWCFL Premier Division, October 10 2016)

Winsford 2-0 Maine Road (NWCFL Premier Division, March 12 2016)

Essential information

Address Brantingham Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 0TT

Kick off 3pm

Replay date Monday, August 7 (ko 7.45pm)

Prize money £1,500

Admission Adults £5, Concessions (NUS/OAP) £3