Why should I watch..?

Winsford have impressed in meetings with Runcorn Town and Charnock Richard – two of the North West Counties League’s best teams – in their most recent outings.

The challenge for Blues now is to transfer that form into a fixture they will be expected to win comfortably.

Blues’ away form has improved, and they have followed successive heavy defeats at Runcorn Linnets, AFC Liverpool and Congleton by beating Abbey Hey and sharing the spoils with Charnock Richard.

Burscough try for the 12th time to record a first Premier Division victory of the campaign following their demotion from the Northern Premier League at the end of last term.

What they’ve said

“Burscough will make us battle, and we have to prove we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and do exactly that.

“We’ve proved time and again we can raise our game against opponents who try to outplay us, only to struggle when we’re least expected to.

“We have to follow the performances against Runcorn Town and Charnock Richard with a different type of display while making sure we collect points.”

Lee Duckworth, Winsford United player-manager

Numbers game

Winsford United have only managed to shut-out a host on one previous occasion this season, when they won 4-0 at Northwich Victoria back in August

Man to keep an eye on

Callam Gardner

One of Winsford’s in-form players, and was on target with a stunning strike at Charnock Richard on Saturday.

The wide man has been a regular since his return to St Luke’s Barton Stadium before the start of the season, and has taken on added attacking responsibility in the enforced absence of Michael Koral and Jordan Johnson.

His delivery from set-pieces is an important weapon too.

Winsford team news

Goalkeeper Michael Langley is available again after work commitments ruled him out of a creditable weekend draw at Charnock Richard.

Winger Justin Pickering returns too.

Attacking duo Michael Koral (thigh) and Jordan Johnson (knee) will be back at training shortly, as will Daniel Hudson (hamstring).

Scott Taylor is not yet ready to return, while Brandon Moores has joined neighbours Barnton.

Form (past six in league)

Burscough L L L D L L

Winsford D L W L W L

Most recent meetings

The teams haven’t met in a North West Counties League fixture since the 1986-1987 season

Essential information

When Tuesday, October 10

Kick-off 7.45pm

Address Victoria Park, Bobby Langton Way, Burscough, Lancashire L40 0SD

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (NUS/OAP) £4

Parking No parking at the ground, use Tesco superstore next door