LEAGUE leaders Runcorn Linnets are expecting one of their biggest attendances of the season for the first-time visit of fellow fans club 1874 Northwich this Saturday (ko 3pm).

After being promoted into the North West Counties League Premier Division at the end of their debut campaign, 1874 lie fourth in the table but are playing catch up after a weather-hampered programme.

The latest postponement last weekend left the Mid-Cheshire men 30 points behind Linnets but with eight matches in hand.

1874 are similarly well supported to table-topping Linnets and the inaugural meeting of the clubs on a rainy September evening attracted a season’s best gate of 563 for the new Northwich club, formed in a breakaway from Northwich Victoria.

The game at Barton Stadium ended 0-0, Linnets’ Richie Mottram producing an outstanding penalty save.

With 1874 enjoying a regular away following of 150-200 and table topping Linnets looking to pull further ahead, a similar turnout is on the cards for the return clash – the highest Millbank Linnets Stadium crowd of 2014-15 thus far is 667 for Boxing Day’s derby against Runcorn Town.

Main title rivals Glossop North End are in FA Vase quarter-final action this weekend so Linnets would go 21 points clear with victory, although second-placed Glossop will then have played eight league games fewer.

Linnets have had a two-week break since a 2-0 home victory against Silsden and will hope to have influential right full-back Michael Duffy available for selection again, after injury, for what promises to be a tough game - 1874 had lost just the one of their 14 away league games ahead of their scheduled trip to St Helens Town on Tuesday (Feb 24th).

The hosts must beware the possible return of 1874’s 21-goal leading scorer Matthew Beadle after almost two months on the sidelines but Linnets have plenty of attacking potency themselves with Kevin Towey and Freddie Potter boasting 48 goals between them this season.

The game will be followed by an informal get together of Linnets fans to discuss fundraising at the club. All supporters are welcome to join the discussion from 5.30pm in the Linnets clubhouse.