By Liam Price
The penultimate away day of the regular season for the Dabbers comes on Saturday as we travel to Newcastle Town (3pm kick-off).
New-Castle on the Hill
Newcastle have been in a comfortable position in the league for some time, not in contention for the play-offs but also at no risk of going down either. As often happens with teams in that place, the form has taken a bit of a hit. They have won only 1 of their last 7 games, and that was against now-relegated 1874 Northwich. They have failed to score more than once in a game in that run as well.
But when it’s clicked for them, it’s really clicked, especially at home. They haven’t won their last 2 at home, but before that they beat Kidsgrove and more notably, Prescot Cables 3-0. They have also defeated Runcorn Linnets 1-0 at the Red Industries Stadium in 2024. Any slip from the professionalism of recent weeks for the Dabbers and Newcastle will be ready to take advantage.
Last Time We Met
Our last meeting was a reminder of that, as Newcastle won 1-0 at the Swansway in November after Callum Speed’s goal, 1 of only 4 defeats for the Dabbers at home in the league all season. But our last meeting in Staffordshire was in one of those seasons that officially no longer exists, a pre-season 2-1 win for the Dabbers in August 2020. The highlights are a reminder of those bizarre times; no spectators and subs having to be sat spread down the touchline for social distancing.
Players to Watch
Jake Avery has scored 9 goals in 15 games since making his debut for them in January, enough to already make him the club’s top scorer this season. In fact, of the last 17 goals the team has scored, he is responsible for 9 of them. The only player to be a semi-regular on the scoresheet in the same period is Thomas Jones. 2 of Newcastle’s last 4 goals have been penalties with Jones and Avery both scoring them.
Former Dabber Jack Sherratt is among the squad and has made 14 appearances for them this season.
Match Information
Tickets are available on the gate only, priced at £10 for adults, £6 for concessions, £1 for under 16s and free for under 12s. The Red Industries Stadium is at the postcode ST5 3BX, and is a just over half hour drive from Nantwich, M6 or A500 the best routes depending on traffic.