Why should I watch..?

To see if Vics can grit their teeth and avoid a third successive league defeat.

Steve Wilkes’ side followed the euphoric high of an FA Vase triumph last weekend with a narrow 2-1 defeat at City of Liverpool on Tuesday when they looked jaded.

A trip to one of his former clubs presents a challenge too, for hosts Ashton have won their past four matches and scored a dozen goals in hammerings of Padiham (8-0) and Winsford (4-1) since Christmas.

That sequence has seen the home side rise to eighth in the table, and they start tomorrow’s encounter a point better off than their guests.

What they’ve said

“We’ve a testing run of games ahead, including the next two against clubs I used to manage.

“There were a few tired legs during the second-half at City of Liverpool in midweek and so we’ll consider resting one or two.

“Another couple of lads have knocks they need to recover from and so won’t be involved.”

Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager

In numbers

Ashton have won four successive matches – their best sequence in the North West Counties League’s top-flight to date this season

A man in form

Harvey Whyte

The teenage midfielder has made a place in Vics’ starting line-up his own over the past few weeks following a string of impressive performances.

A creative presence with his range of passing, the former Liverpool academy player has shown has shown stamina and commitment too.

Vics team news

Jordan Boon returns after he missed a defeat in midweek at leaders City of Liverpool.

Meanwhile Brad Cooke and Matty Clarke have recovered from knocks that caused them to start as substitutes against the Purps.

However Kieron Kenny and Brian Matthews are ruled out by injury.

Form guide (past six league games)

Ashton W W W W L L

Vics L L W W L W

Discipline

Ashton Y38 R3

Vics Y39 R3

Last season’s meetings

Vics 0-2 Ashton (February 24, 2018)

Ashton 5-1 Vics (October 10, 2017)

Essential information

When Saturday, January 12

Kick-off 3pm

Address Brocstedes Park, Downall Green, Ashton-in-Makerfield WN4 0NR

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £3, Accompanied under 12s £1

Parking Available at the ground