Why should I watch..?

Which version of Winsford will show up?

Blues have been brilliant in away ties in previous rounds this term, but endured a difficult Bank Holiday weekend.

They did though recover from 2-0 down to draw with neighbours Barnton at Barton Stadium on Monday.

Hosts Whitby, unbeaten in the Northern Premier League’s top flight this term, have kept three clean sheets in five matches.

However they have exited the FA Cup at this stage in each of the past three seasons.

Numbers game

Winsford haven’t progressed through three rounds of the FA Cup in close to 20 years.

They have won both ties in this season’s edition away from home, at Staveley Miners Welfare and then Alsager Town.

This is their third meeting with Whitby in the competition, with both clubs able to boast of a win each.

Man to keep an eye on

Mike Langley

Winsford’s goalkeeper has played behind a changing cast of defenders in the opening month of the campaign, but has been among their most consistent performers.

Blues conceded seven goals in two games last weekend, including five at Bootle – their first defeat on the road this season.

He is one of only three players – manager Lee Duckworth and leading scorer Nathan Cotterell are the others – to have started all six matches.

Winsford team news

Louis Johnson, a central defender recruited from Whitchurch Alport this week, is available for Blues.

Adam Bayley (ankle) is out, but attacker Ryan Mellor is fit for the first time this term after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Most recent meetings

Whitby 3-0 Winsford (FA Cup second qualifying round, September 27 2003)

Winsford 1-1 Whitby (NPL Premier Division December 18 1999)

Whitby 2-2 Winsford (NPL Premier Division, August 28 1999)

Form (past six in all competitions)

Whitby W D W W D

Winsford D L W W L W

Essential information

Address The Turnbull Ground, Upgang Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3HZ

Kick off 3pm

Admission Adults £10, Concessions £6, Under 18s £3, Accompanied under 16s Free

Replay date Monday, September 5 (7.45pm)

Prize money £3,000