Why should I watch..?

There’s a trophy up for grabs!

The Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup isn’t valued perhaps as much as it should be, and the impact of collecting a piece of silverware should never be underestimated.

It is perhaps bad news for Winsford United that one of Carl Macauley’s biggest setbacks as Witton manager – and there have been precious few – was a hammering in the final against 1874 Northwich two years ago.

He isn’t prepared to countenance a repeat.

Blues have repeatedly proven this season that they can produce a performance to match the best teams in the North West Counties League’s top-flight, and shouldn’t be underestimated.

What they’ve said

“It would be great to get our hands on some silverware.

“Our fans have travelled wide and far to back us no matter where we’ve been and in every weather condition.

“That lifts the players, and we want to say thanks by winning the final.”

Carl Macauley, Witton Albion manager

“We’ve reached three semi-finals this season, and it was important to get through at least one of those to play a game that gives us a chance of lifting a trophy.

“These boys have played an awful lot of football recently, but I have only praise for the way they’ve continued to give everything even when they’ve had next to nothing left in the tank.”

Lee Duckworth, Winsford United player-manager

Numbers game

Witton haven’t won this competition since 2009 when Kieran Lugsden’s double secured a 2-0 win against Congleton in the final

Man to keep an eye on

Callam Gardner

The Winsford attacker has had a superb season, contributing 19 goals – and plenty of assists too – to his side’s total.

Blues’ best chance of surprising their hosts will be if he can find space, either out wide or by drifting inside from the left, from which he can either shoot at goal or link with Michael Koral and Scott Taylor.

Witton team news

Tom Owens (calf) is likely to be ruled out by an injury, but manager Carl Macauley is hopeful that River Humphreys (groin) and Will Jones (foot) will be fit enough to start the game.

Crewe Alexandra have granted permission for on-loan winger Owen Dale to feature, while Nick Ryan (broken leg) is a long-term absentee.

Winsford team news

Lee Duckworth reports that goalkeeper Ben Chapman and Jamie McLlellan, a defender, are ineligible following the end of their temporary stay with Blues.

Andy Keogh is unavailable too, but the player-manager is optimistic that a list of names suffering from bumps and bruises will grit their teeth to take part.

Route to this round

Witton SF bt Barnton (h) 3-0

Winsford SF bt 1874 Northwich (h) 3-1

Form (past six in league)

Witton W W L D D L

Winsford W L L W L W

Remember when…?

Witton conjured a comeback against Winsford United to reach the final in 2006?

Rob Hopley’s wonder goal had set Blues on a course for the final in a game that they dominated, only for Brian Pritchard to level for Jim Vince’s side with time running out.

Alex Brown delivered a trademark strike late in extra-time to secure a victory for Albion.

The Guardian was there, and this is how we reported it: Witton 2-1 Winsford

Essential information

When Thursday, May 3

Kick-off 7.45pm

Address Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

Admission Adults £5, Concessions (Disabled/OAP) £3, Under 18s (inc students) £1

Parking Available for free at the ground