Why should I watch..?

To see if Winsford United can register a first victory of the new season following back-to-back draws against Abbey Hey and Bootle in the North West Counties League so far.

Blues have taken the lead in both those games, and will be hoping they can protect an advantage if they establish one on Saturday.

They enjoyed success in knockout ties last term, including a run to the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup final as well as reaching the last four in the Cheshire FA Senior Cup and the Macron Cup.

Meanwhile Irlam claimed a creditable goalless draw when they visited Bootle for their first fixture of the campaign last Saturday.

What they’ve said

“We were disappointed to go out of the FA Cup at the first time of asking last season, particularly after we’d enjoyed a good little run in the competition the previous year.

“It will help I think to have played two competitive games before making our debut this time around, although Irlam will be thinking exactly the same I’m sure.”

Lee Duckworth, Winsford United player-manager

Numbers game

Curiously, Winsford’s record against Irlam is better away from home. Blues have lost three of four previous meetings at Barton Stadium

Man to keep an eye on

Peter Watling

Scored on his debut for Winsford during a 1-1 draw with Bootle at Barton Stadium on Monday after playing against Blues – for Abbey Hey – only 48 hours earlier.

He is a front man manager Lee Duckworth hopes to build his attack around after spending most of pre-season with the club.

Winsford team news

Lee Duckworth can call on two new recruits, striker Peter Watling and midfielder Lee Jones, and is hoping to have a third registered in time.

Winger Scott Taylor is available again too after sitting out the first two games of the campaign with an injury.

The Blues’ boss reports he has one or two doubts to check on this afternoon but his hopeful he will have everybody to pick from.

Remember when…?

Winsford put five goals past Irlam in their previous meeting back in April?

Callum Gardner scored twice, while captain Will Foster, Andy Keogh and Marcin Manko also got their names on the score-sheet

Last season’s league meetings

Winsford 1-3 Irlam (April 19, 2018)

Irlam 1-5 Winsford (April 30, 2018)

Essential information

Address Barton Stadium, Wharton Road, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 3AE

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4 (over 65s, under 21s, registered disabled), Under 16s £1

Kick off 3pm

Replay date Tuesday, August 14 (ko 7.45pm)

Prize money £2,250 (winners), £750 (losers)

Next round (August 25) Prescot Cables (a)