FC St Helens play host to NWCFL Premier Division giants — and, indeed, sleeping giants of English football — Bury, who have eyes on rising again.
FC St Helens:
The Stripes have enjoyed a remarkably impressive opening campaign in a division that they haven’t previously occupied.
Eighth in the table, Michael Smith’s side haven’t been in relegation danger throughout the season and, although the play-off places are seemingly eluding their reach, they’ll look to revert back to their best — having been on the receiving end of a 5-1 loss to Lower Breck, in their previous fixture.
Bury:
Bury have also enjoyed an incredible season, relative to their own aspirations to conquer the division in its entirety — having sought redemption on the back of agonisingly losing last season’s Play-Off Final on penalties.
The Shakers have taken most that have been acquainted with them by storm, losing just three league matches.
Having had to settle for a share of the spoils, in the corresponding meeting between the sides, they’ll intend to have the spotlight firmly on them — with hopes of providing their promotion push with a huge boost.
Ones to Watch:
FC St Helens — Joe Barker
For a handful of seasons, Barker has been a key contributor to much of The Stripes’ success.
Having scored 29 goals, last term, to fire FC St Helens to title triumph in the NWCFL First Division North, he has seamlessly adapted to the next stage — with 23 goals to his name, this time around.
One of those strikes came in the corresponding fixture — he’ll fancy at least one more, in the hope that The Stripes can go one better and win, on this occasion.
Bury — DJ Pedro
Frontman Pedro has epitomised that drive, ambition and quality that the league-leaders have in abundance — scoring 23 goals from 24 appearances, since arriving from National League North outfit, Buxton.
With him topping his side’s scoring charts, as one of five players to have struck double figures, he’ll be hopeful that his endeavours are rewarded with promotion.