Why should I watch..?

Winsford have scored 30 goals during half-a-dozen pre-season friendlies, and make a short trip to Gorton in optimistic mood.

Manager Lee Duckworth has focused on attack in his summer transfer dealings, conscious too that Blues lost their leading goal-scorer Callum Gardner to tenants 1874 Northwich.

With Michael Koral fit and raring to go, he has a variety of options – both central and out wide – he can use to support the striker.

It will be fascinating to see who is given a first opportunity.

Abbey Hey have a familiar face in the dugout after former Northwich Victoria manager Paul Moore accepted an offer to take charge.

An encouraging build-up to the campaign concluded with a 5-1 thrashing of Greenalls in midweek.

What they’ve said

“There have been a lot of changes at Abbey Hey, both in terms of playing personnel and of course with a new manager in the dugout.

“If they keep the DNA of sides we’ve played previously, then they’ll be a tough, hard-working opponent that makes life difficult for us.

“We’ve a good record against them though, and it would be nice for that to continue.”

Lee Duckworth, Winsford United player-manager

Numbers game

Winsford have returned home with maximum points from each of their past three visits to Abbey Hey for a league fixture

Man to keep an eye on

Steve Jenyons

Perhaps one of the most eye-catching signings of mid Cheshire clubs this summer, the former Knutsford captain has pledged to play for Winsford full-time this season after cameos in the past.

His partnership with Will Foster, probably Winsford’s most reliable performer last term, is one to watch as it develops.

Blues team news

Winsford have been boosted this week by full-back Damian Skolorzynski agreeing terms to stay at Barton Stadium after spending part of pre-season with a higher-ranked rival.

It means player-manager Lee Duckworth has a familiar core to a side to which he has added a number of impressive signings during the closed season.

He has to choose between the returning Michael Langley and Jack Cookson between the posts, while there is competition for places in most other position across the pitch.

Form guide (pre-season)

Abbey Hey W2 D1 L1 F9 A5

Blues W4 D0 L2 F30 A15

Last season’s meetings

Abbey Hey 1-2 Winsford (September 30, 2017)

Winsford 1-2 Abbey Hey (March 7, 2018)

Essential information

When Saturday, August 4

Kick-off 3pm

Address Abbey Stadium, Goredale Lane, Gorton, Manchester M18 7HD

Admission Adults £5, Concessions £2.50, Under 12s £1

Parking Free at the ground