TWO players are back in charge of 1874 Northwich’s relegation-threatened side after the club this week parted company with manager Damian Crossley.

Experienced club legends Matt Woolley and Mark Jones, who led the group on an interim basis after the exit of co-managers Wayne Goodison and Paul Bowyer at the back end of 2023, have the reins on a temporary basis again while the board take stock of the situation.

Their first mission is to prepare the team for Saturday’s visit to Townfield by City of Liverpool.

Crossley’s brief stint at the helm came to an end after 1874’s poor 4-0 home loss to fellow strugglers Trafford at the weekend.

Greens are on a run of 16 matches without a win.

They are rooted at the bottom of Northern Premier League West, 11 points from safety.

A club statement on social media said: "Next fixture: we’re back at home this coming Saturday, taking on City of Liverpool.

"Matt Woolley and Mark Jones stand in as caretaker managers.

"We would like to place on record our thanks to both of them, who for a second time this season have agreed to step up under challenging circumstances.

"Please lend them your support at the weekend."

Former Warrington Rylands first-team coach Crossley came into the role in December with 1874 already in a vulnerable position, having only won one of their previous eight matches at the end of Goodison and Bowyer’s time in charge and a period under the caretaker management of Woolley and Jones.

Greens lost eight and drew three of Crossley’s 11 matches at the helm since then.

Crossley arrived at Townfield with proven experience at NPL level, having previously been assistant manager at Buxton, Curzon Ashton and Colne and most recently first-team coach at Warrington Rylands.

Meanwhile, Northwich Victoria’s Midland League Premier Division match at Wolverhampton Casuals on Tuesday was postponed due to poor weather.

They are due to host Uttoxeter Town at Barton Stadium, Winsford, this Saturday and will have new blood in their squad after capturing 26-year-old striker Christoph Aziamale.

After starting out at Rhyl Town, he has also played for Bangor City, Stafford Rangers, Eccleshall, Market Drayton, Sittingbourne and then Bala last season before joining Whitchurch Alport in September where he scored six goals in 13 appearances.

Witton Albion visit Widnes in the Northern League Premier Division and have also made a new signing.

Defender Callum Grogan, 26, has been training with the club recently and was playing at Northern Premier League Premier Division Radcliffe until he suffered an injury in 2021/22.

He previously featured at Skelmersdale United, Warrington Town and Shrewsbury Town.

Barnton go to Cheadle Heath Nomads in North West Counties League First Division South on Saturday. They lost 2-0 at Droylsden on Tuesday, when Winsford United's scheduled home game against Market Drayton Town was postponed due to floodlight repairs being needed.

Blues are away to Eccleshall FC on Saturday.