1874 NORTHWICH start the defence of a Macron Cup crown they took for the first time last season by visiting rivals they haven’t previously met.
A side managed by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison, who prevailed 1-0 against City of Liverpool in the final in May, were paired with Cheadle Heath Nomads in a draw for the first round published on Monday.
They play in Division One South of the North West Counties League and are home to Joe Hare, brother of 1874 midfielder Sam.
The only mid Cheshire side to have home advantage when the competition starts in mid-October will be Northwich Victoria, who host Premier Division rivals Barnoldswick Town.
Winsford United head to lower-ranked Prestwich Heys, while Barnton make a short trip to promoted Rylands.
Four teams – Alsager Town, Cheadle Town, Longridge Town and Whitchurch Alport – have a bye to the last 32.
Draw
North West Counties League
Macron Cup
First Round (to be played Saturday, October 19)
Abbey Hey v Holker Old Boys
Ashton Town v Golcar United
Avro v Vauxhall Motors
Bacup Borough v Charnock Richard
Bootle v Eccleshall
Burscough v Ashton Athletic
Cheadle Heath Nomads v 1874 Northwich
Congleton Town v AFC Darwen
Daisy Hill v AFC Blackpool
Ellesmere Rangers v Cleator Moor Celtic
Emley v Squires Gate
Garstang v Stockport Town
Hanley Town v Abbey Hulton United
Lower Breck v Cammell Laird
Maine Road v Oswestry Town
Northwich Victoria v Barnoldswick Town
Padiham v St Martins
Pilkington v Steeton
Prestwich Heys v Winsford United
Runcorn Town v Atherton LR
Rylands v Barnton
Sandbach United v AFC Liverpool
Shelley v Wythenshawe Town
Skelmersdale United v Irlam
St Helens Town v Nelson
Stone Old Alleynians v Litherland REMYCA
West Didsbury & Chorlton v New Mills
Wythenshawe Amateurs v Chadderton
Byes: Alsager Town, Cheadle Town, Longridge Town and Whitchurch Alport
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