UPDATE: Following a pitch inspection by the match referee, the fixture was called off shortly before 2pm

Why should I watch..?

To see if 1874 Northwich can make it third time lucky when it comes to beating their landlords on Boxing Day.

Winsford United have prevailed on each of the two previous occasions, including a 4-0 success in last season’s game.

However the side managed by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison are a different proposition this time around after recording a ninth successive victory in all competitions last weekend.

A 5-0 thrashing of Maine Road edged them closer to the table’s top-half.

Blues endured a frustrating afternoon at Squires Gate, where they twice led only to be pegged back on both occasions.

They sit eighth at Christmas, and are on course for their highest finish since Lee Duckworth – a former 1874 player – was appointed as manager.

What they’ve said

“It was frustrating to come back from Squires Gate with only a draw to show for our performance.

“We had enough chances to win, and will need to be more ruthless in front of goal.”

Lee Duckworth, Winsford United player-manager

“Winsford love playing us, don’t they?

“They’re a different proposition this season, and are on a good run of form right now.

“I expect them to pose more of a threat going forward, and they won’t be afraid of us.

“Our record against them isn’t great, and the lads who have played against them previously will be conscious of that.”

Paul Bowyer, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

Blues are unbeaten in their past four games at St Luke’s Barton Stadium, scoring 15 goals

However their landlords have won nine successive matches in all competitions – a club record

Man to keep an eye on

Jack Pritchard

The way in which he handles the speed and movement of Michael Koral will be important to his side’s hopes of shutting out their landlords.

Winsford’s striker has been restricted by injury to just 11 starts this term, but there are signs he is returning to full fitness and developing an understanding with Nathan Cotterell.

Winsford team news

Front man Jordan Johnson (knee) continues to convalesce, but Ryan Steele hopes to have recovered from an illness to feature.

Jason Fowles is available too.

Sean Sherwood sat out a 2-2 draw at Squires Gate on Saturday with an injury, and may not be risked.

1874 team news

Defender Danny Meadowcroft (foot) is ruled out by an injury sustained during training last week.

Ryan Jackson may be included in a match-day squad for the first time this season, leaving Joe Woolley (knee) as the tenants’ only injury absentee.

Form guide (past six in league)

Winsford D L W W L D

1874 W W W W W L

Most recent meetings

Winsford 1-4 1874 (NWCFL Premier Division, Apri l 17 2017)

1874 0-4 Winsford (NWCFL Premier Division, December 26 2016)

1874 2-2 Winsford (NWCFL Premier Division, April 20 2016)

Essential information

When Tuesday, December 26

Kick-off 3pm

Address St Luke’s Barton Stadium, Kingsway, Winsford CW7 3AE

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (OAP/under 21s) £4, Under 16s £1

Parking Available for free at the ground