Why should I watch..?

A first Friday night fixture of the campaign in the North West Counties League’s top-flight, and one with added intrigue thanks to Winsford’s impressive start.

Blues have recovered from the disappointment of conceding a last-minute winner in an FA Cup meeting with Maine Road to collect seven points from three Premier Division matches.

That includes impressive wins against Barnoldswick and Northwich Victoria, who they trounced 4-0 at Barnton last weekend.

Runcorn suffered a setback when they lost 4-2 at Ashton Athletic in the FA Cup, a game in which they struggled to recover after trailing 3-0 at half-time.

They will be desperate to bounce back.

What they’ve said

“We’re under no illusions, and won’t be fooled by Linnets going out of the FA Cup at Ashton last weekend.

“I expect them to make changes, because it looks like they rested a few, and we’ll have to be ready for that.

“But we’re going there in good form, and we’ll give it a real good go. Let’s see what happens.”

Lee Duckworth, Winsford United player-manager

Numbers game

A 2-0 win for Winsford in last season’s corresponding league fixture ended a sequence of seven successive defeats against Linnets.

Man to keep an eye on

Damian Skolorzynski

The full-back, an ever-present for Winsford to date this term, has made an impression already.

He has scored in each of Blues’ past two games, including a stunning goal in a draw at Hanley.

“Damian has been professional and hard-working throughout his time with us, and I was delighted when he committed for a year,” said player-manager Lee Duckworth after signing him in the summer.

Winsford team news

Jordan Johnson starts a three-match ban as punishment for his dismissal in a 1-1 draw at Hanley Town last week.

Blues’ attack is diminished further by the absence of in-form Michael Koral, who limped out of last weekend’s derby success against Northwich Victoria with a muscle strain.

However Nathan Cotterell made his first appearance of the campaign for Winsford in the same game, and will likely lead the visitors’ attack.

Influential midfielder James Rothwell is available again after a holiday.

Remember when…?

Winsford United, with Lloyd Morrison at the helm, won a thrilling FA Vase first-round encounter at Millbank Linnets Stadium back in October 2012?

Blues protected an interval lead established by Phil Drummond’s goal until Matthew Jones restored parity for Runcorn.

However strikes from Kyle McGonigle and Andy Hurst in the closing stages left Blues’ travelling contingent in rapturous mood.

To read how the Guardian reported it, click here.

Most recent meetings

Winsford 1-1 Linnets (NWCFL Premier Division, February 13 2017)

Linnets 0-2 Winsford (NWCFL Premier Division, August 16 2016)

Linnets 5-1 Winsford (NWCFL Premier Division, January 2 2016)

Essential information

Kick off 7.45pm

Address Millbank Linnets Stadium, Murdishaw Avenue, Runcorn WA7 6HP

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s £1 (Free if accompanied by paying adult)

Parking Available for free at the ground