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