We are once again playing under the lights this week as we make the trip across the Pennines to the Peninsula Stadium, to face Salford City on Friday night (kick-off 7pm).
Buoyed by the spirited showing that earned a point at home to Exeter City on Tuesday, Simon Weaver's side will be looking to avenge the loss to the Ammies earlier in the season.
Since the sides last met
James Wilson's strike was enough to settle the game 1-0 in Salford's favour at the Envirovent Stadium just over a month ago.
Since then, tomorrow's opponents have taken seven points from their five games. Town, meanwhile, have played only three times due to the recent adverse weather and have taken four points.
Salford currently sit fifth in League Two, just two points off the automatic promotion positions and will be looking for a strong second half of the season to earn a third promotion in four seasons.
Ones to Watch
The Ammies bolstered their ranks with a number of new signings in the off-season with the likes of Vaclav Hladky, Tom Clarke, Jason Lowe, Jordan Turnbull and veteran Iain Henderson all arriving.
The move for Henderson has paid off, with him netting six goals over the first half of the season and striking up a partnership with former Manchester United forward James Wilson, who also has six goals to his name.
A big threat from midfield will come from playmaker Ash Hunter, who impressed at the EnviroVent and has three assists to go with his six goals.
Defensively, Salford have proved strong this season and have conceded just 17 goals – three fewer than any other side – with Hladky, Clarke and Turnbull all proving influential signings.
They have also added to their squad in January with the loan additions of Harrogate based Robbie Gotts from Leeds and Tom James from Hibernian.
The Man in Charge
Richie Wellens took charge at the Peninsula Stadium in early November after the club had sacked Graham Alexander, who had guided them to promotion from the National League.
Wellens, who had a lengthy playing career at Blackpool, Oldham, Doncaster and Leicester, has made a positive start at the helm as the club, consolidating a spot in the playoff positions as they look to mount a promotion bid in 2021.
Prior to joining the club he was manager at both Oldham and Swindon, guiding the latter to promotion from League Two last season before departing for his current role.
History
The club has of course had a rapid rise to reach this level, appearing in the North West Counties League just over a decade ago. The takeover of the club by the ‘Class of 92' in 2014 whilst members of the Norther Premier League kickstarted the rise to Football League status and the club reached National League North in 2016.
The two sides locked horns during City's time at this level with both being promoted in 2018 after a neck and neck battle throughout the season, with Town ultimately progressing through the playoffs with Salford pipping them to the title.
The last meetings between the two sides outside the EFL were in the 2018/19 season in the National League with Salford winning both games, 3-2 at the Peninsula Stadium before securing a late season 1-0 victory in Harrogate.
Team News
Town will be forced to make a defensive change on Friday due to the suspension of Warren Burrell following his red card against Exeter, joining Lloyd Kerry on the club's suspension list.
Mitchell Roberts, Dan Jones, Joe Cracknell, Mark Beck and Will Smith remain on the sidelines, although the latter has returned to full training and is hoped to be back in contention in the coming weeks.
How to Follow
Our streaming service will continue to operate for the 2020/21 season and beyond, meaning you can continue to watch every one of our fixtures live for just £10 each.
BUY MATCH PASS
With BBC regulations preventing travel to away fixtures, commentary will be provided by Salford City.