Why should I watch..?

To see whether 1874 Northwich can continue on an upward trajectory and return to the table’s top-10 by beating Irlam.

An eye-catching victory against Congleton last weekend, when substitute Callum Gardner scored a spectacular deciding goal, is reason for encouragement.

More than that, a side managed by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison has lost only once in the North West Counties League’s Premier Division since October 3.

They will be forced to reshuffle their line-up though as injuries and suspensions again restrict their options.

Irlam make a trip to Barton Stadium buoyed by reaching the FA Vase last 16 after eliminating lower-ranked opponents last weekend.

However their form is disappointing; they haven’t won any of their past five league games.

What they’ve said

“We need to be wary because I think Irlam are a better side than their position in the table suggests.

“They certainly have enough quality in attack to do us some damage if we’re not performing at the level we know we can.

“However we go into the game feeling good and – with the exception of a couple of halves – knowing that we’ve played well for a few weeks now.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

In numbers

1874 have lost only one of their past dozen matches in the Premier Division – a 2-1 defeat at Litherland REMYCA before Christmas

1874 team news

Mark Jones (ankle) and Jack Tinning (knee) have both added their name to a list of injury victims after leaving the field early in games against Congleton and Stockport respectively in the past seven days.

They join Matthew Russell (shoulder) and Kyle Riley (illness) – along with long-term absentees Sam Freakes, Ryan Jackson and Joe Woolley (all knee) – on the side-lines.

Meanwhile Jack Pritchard is suspended.

That means a recall for Lee Jackson, who hasn’t played since the start of September.

Form guide (past six league games)

1874 W W D L D W

Irlam L L L D D W

Discipline

1874 Y39 R4

Irlam Y42 R2

Last season’s meetings

Irlam 0-3 1874 (April 7 2018)

1874 1-2 Irlam (March 29 2018)

From the archive…

Remember when 1874 Northwich eliminated Irlam during a run to the FA Vase semi-finals last season?

A double from Taylor Kennerley, plus a goal from Scott McGowan, established a 3-0 lead for the visitors by the break.

Gareth Mooney replied in the moments after half-time before Jake Parker’s strike put an end to the home team’s hopes of mounting a comeback.

Here’s how the Guardian reported it: Irlam 1-4 1874: match report

Essential information

When Saturday, January 12

Kick-off 3pm

Address Barton Stadium, Kingsway, Winsford CW7 3AE

Admission Adults £6, Concessions (OAP/Students) £4, Under 17s £1, Under 12s Free

Parking Free at the ground