Why should I watch..?

To see how Winsford respond to starting a new calendar year with a heavy defeat against Runcorn Linnets last weekend.

Lee Duckworth’s men have slipped to 10th in the table after collecting only one point from their past three league games – a lowly return after back-to-back wins at Runcorn Town and then Ashton Athletic at the start of December.

They have lost only one of their past four games away from St Luke’s Barton Stadium though.

West are similarly out of sorts, and have conceded 15 goals in three successive defeats since a 5-4 win at Burscough before Christmas.

They were hammered 6-1 at City of Liverpool last weekend, and start Saturday’s game three points clear of the relegation zone.

What they’ve said

“Our focus hasn’t changed; as a management team we want to finish as high as we can – certainly improve on last year – and we’ve brought in lads we believe can take us in that direction.

“We’re hoping to have another available for this weekend too.”

Lee Duckworth, Winsford United player-manager

Numbers game

Only back-markers Barnton have conceded more goals in the North West Counties League top-flight this season than West, who have shipped 67 in 22 games

Man to keep an eye on

Michael Thomas

Has been a steady influence in defence for Winsford since switching to St Luke’s Barton Stadium from Mossley last month.

He marshals a back-line on Saturday that has Tom Bailey, one of the North West Counties League’s best strikers, to contend with.

How they perform that task will go some way to determining the outcome.

Winsford team news

Michael Koral returns in attack after missing last weekend’s home defeat against leaders Runcorn Linnets.

However fellow forward players Nathan Cotterell and Robbie Hatton are unavailable.

James Rothwell and Ryan Steele both returned to training on Thursday as they continue their recovery from an illness.

Form (past six in league)

West L L L W L L

Winsford L D L W W L

Most recent meetings

Winsford 5-1 West (Macron Cup, November 20 2017)

Winsford 1-3 West (NWCFL Premier Division, October 14 2017)

Winsford 1-3 West (NWCFL Premier Division, April 26 2017)

Essential information

When Saturday, January 13

Kick-off 3pm

Address Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorlton M21 8TH

Admission Adults £5, Concessions £3, Accompanied under 12s Free

Parking Available for free at the ground