By Liam Price
The Dabbers kick off 2025 at home to Newcastle Town on Wednesday (3pm kick-off).
Happy New(castle) Year
Just like our last opponents Witton, Newcastle Town come into this game on the other side of back-to-back wins after indifferent results beforehand. They defeated Mossley away 2-1 and then beat local rivals Kidsgrove at home 2-0 on Boxing Day. Their previous 5 games before that had been away from home, with Mossley and a Staffordshire Cup win over Lichfield City the only wins.
If you stretch it back to the end of October, they have won 4 and drawn 1 of their last 8 league games. So not exceptional form but enough to have them 13th in the table and 8 points off the Dabbers in the last play-off place and with a game in hand.
Their mere 2 away defeats are the joint fewest in the league along with top-of-the-table Widnes, but they’ve played one more away than Widnes have. They are also second only to Widnes in fewest number of goals conceded, with 24 from 21 games. And only Clitheroe have recovered more points from losing positions than Newcastle. However, only 3 teams have scored lower than their 26 goals.
Last Time We Met
It was on Bank Holiday Monday in August when the Dabbers made the trip under Lyme, and Nantwich came from behind to secure a great 2-1 win courtesy of 2 goals from Tom Pratt, the winner coming in the 4th minute of stoppage time. Highlights below.
Players to Watch
Jake Avery scored for Newcastle that day and is their top scorer on 10. However, he hasn’t played in their last 2 games (presumably through injury) and it’s not clear if he’ll be available for this one. Thomas Jones is their next highest on 7.
Behind them and catching quickly is their most significant signing since we last played Newcastle in Tim Grice. A bona fide guarantee of goals at this level for well over a decade, he left Leek Town in October after becoming their all time record goalscorer and appearance holder and has quickly adapted to his new surroundings, already on 6 goals in 10 appearances. He’s scored at least twice against Nantwich before in pre-season friendlies.
Former Dabber Jack Sherratt is one to watch too, having notched a couple of goals from midfield in recent games.
Match Information
Tickets for this one are available online HERE or on the gate. Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a lead.
Please use the parking provided. If you have to park on the street then please be respectful to local residents.