LEE Duckworth admits Winsford United are outsiders to win the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup but that won’t lessen their determination to beat Northwich Victoria.

The teams meet at Witton Albion’s Wincham Park home tomorrow, Thursday, when Blues will attempt to lift the trophy for the first time since 2014.

“We’re the underdogs but it’s a role that suits us,” he told the Guardian.

“We’ll be going there to give it our best shot like we did last season when I felt we were unlucky.”

Winsford lost 3-2 at Padiham last weekend in their remaining North West Counties League Premier Division fixture of the campaign.

They had already secured their place in the top-flight for another season and finish 16th.

"That’s helped us massively,” he added.

“The last thing we wanted is to have found ourselves in a similar position to Wigan Athletic when they were relegated and won the FA Cup in the space of a few weeks.

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“That would have affected how we prepared for the game against Vics, and I’m glad we’ve been able to focus fully in the way we wanted.”

Blues recorded their first league victory of the season against Steve Wilkes’ side when they prevailed at Barton Stadium back in September.

They had failed to take maximum points from eight previous attempts, including a 4-1 defeat in the return.

“We turned them over at our place and that give us optimism,” said Duckworth.

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“However we’re under no illusions just how tough an ask it will be to beat a side that has had a fantastic season that culminated in them almost getting to Wembley.

“But we’ve done our homework, as I’m sure they have too, and we’re determined to sign off on a high.

“It would be a gift as well to our supporters and the volunteers who have worked so hard to move the club on in leaps and bounds since the takeover.”

Kick-off tonight is at 7.45pm.