By Liam Price
The Dabbers make an earlier than planned trip to Newcastle-under-Lyme on Saturday (1.30pm kick off) to face a currently floodlight-less Newcastle Town.
Just Light New
No team in the NPL West has a bigger gulf between their home and away form than Newcastle. Away from the GRG Stadium, they have won none, lost 5 and drawn 2 of their 7 games. But at home they’ve won 4 and drawn 1 of 7 games. They are also unbeaten in their last 4 at home, beating Trafford and Witton, drawing with Wythenshawe Town, then beating Darlaston.
Their last game was a goalless draw away at Stafford on Saturday. That made it 3 clean sheets in a row for them. What they are lacking is goals; only Darlaston have scored fewer than their 11 in 14 games. 4 of those goals came in that win against Witton.
Last Time We Met
The Dabbers did the league double over the Castle last season, both by 2-1 scorelines. The most recent of those was on New Year’s Day at the Swansway, where Nantwich recovered from cocnceding in the 1st minute to win via goals from Byron Harrison and Callum Saunders. Highlights below.
Players to Watch
Joel Jones has scored 5 of Newcastle’s 11 league goals so must go down as their biggest individual threat.
Former Dabber watch brings us at least one figure in Sean Lawton who’s had 2 spells at Nantwich and is a regular for Newcastle these days.
And only a fool would discount Leek legend Tim Grice from still taking a chance in front of goal if he gets one.
Match Information
Tickets at the GRG Stadium are £11 for adults.
A reminder again that this game is at 1.30pm due to Newcastle having new floodlights fitted and the chance they may not be ready in time for the game, hence the need for more daylight on what is also the last day before the clocks go back.