Why should I watch..?

It’s perhaps a draw that neither side wanted, but that only makes it more intriguing.

Widnes, promoted to the Northern Premier League at the end of last season, host one of the teams tipped by observers to follow in the same path this time around.

Vics suffered a setback in midweek when they lost to City of Liverpool, which followed a 5-3 victory at West Didsbury & Chorlton in their North West Counties League opener.

Steve Wilkes’ side have the advantage of playing two competitive games – their opponents don’t play a first league fixture until next week – and they know Barnton too after spending last term at Townfield as tenants.

What they’ve said

“Widnes are one of the few Northern Premier League sides entering the competition at this stage, and that makes it one of the most difficult draws we could have had.

“There is an extra incentive to do well in the FA Cup this season because there is more prize money up for grabs for clubs at our level, and we’ll be doing our best to bring some into the club.”

Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager

Numbers game

Widnes will be desperate to avoid a repeat of their debut in the FA Cup last season – a 5-0 defeat at home to Handsworth Parramore

Man to keep an eye on

John Connolly

Impressed during a cameo as a second-half substitute at West Didsbury last weekend and made a first start of the campaign against his former club, City of Liverpool, in midweek.

His ability to play a telling pass complements the strengths of Vics’ other new midfielders.

Vics team news

Brian Matthews, last season’s leading goal-scorer, is hoping to be included after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during a pre-season friendly against Garstang.

Fellow front-runner Billy Webb (thigh) remains a doubt though, while midfielder Matty Clarke (ankle) is unlikely to return until next month.

Remember when…?

Vics played Widnes at Townfield last season?

An entertaining contest reached a thrilling finale with four goals scored in the closing stages, including a leveller for Widnes in the fourth minute of added time scored by Andy Gillespie.

Goals in quick succession from Brian Matthews and substitute Jake Pollard for Steve Wilkes’ side had overturned an advantage given to the visitors by Billy Webb – now at Northwich.

Here's how the Guardian reported it: Vics 2-2 Widnes: match report

Last season’s league meetings

Widnes 4-0 Vics (April 20, 2018)

Vics 2-2 Widnes (October 7, 2017)

Essential information

Address Townfield, Townfield Lane, Barnton, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4LH

Admission Adults £7, Concessions £3

Kick off 3pm

Replay date Wednesday, August 15 (ko 7.45pm)

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

Next round (August 25) Burscough or 1874 Northwich (a)