IT’S the journey, not the destination.
But it helps if you like the place you’re off to watch a match.
And fear not, Workington’s relegation from the Northern Premier League’s top-flight at the end of last season hasn’t reduced the number of long away days.
Here our top five picks for fixtures not at Wincham Park in the 2019-2020 season:
Whitby Town v Witton Albion
Saturday, August 17 (ko 3pm)
IT’S Whitby.
It’s the opening day of the season.
It’s the seaside in the middle of August.
It’s a ground Witton often win at.
Explain to me why you haven’t booked your hotel room yet?
Nantwich Town v Witton Albion
Monday, August 26 (ko 3pm)
IF it hasn’t always had the edge of a traditional derby, then it may well do this time around.
Goalkeeper Greg Hall’s surprise departure to the Dabbers, after a single season with Witton that was so impressive it persuaded supporters to pick him as their player of the year, hasn’t gone down well.
He was arguably the best performer on the pitch when Albion visited Weaver Stadium on New Year’s Day last term, shutting out opponents who on that afternoon occupied top spot in the table.
It will be interesting to observe the reception he has from the visiting faithful.
Atherton Collieries v Witton Albion
Tuesday, September 10 (ko 7.45pm)
AN FA Cup date between the teams three years ago, and a pre-season friendly more recently, means it may not be a new destination for every Albion supporter.
However this will be a first league fixture between the two teams.
There is much to love about Alder Street; it is compact, has a gloriously sloping pitch that has to be seen to be believed and the warmest of welcomes from those that run the club.
They’re also a handy side.
Morpeth Town v Witton Albion
Saturday, November 2 (ko 3pm)
NOW, hear me out.
It is the longest journey Carl Macauley’s men must make – a 370-mile trip – and the furthest north they’ll go following Workington’s relegation.
However it’s rare to discover a new foe.
The Railwaymen play at Craik Park, and make their debut at step three in the National League System this term after securing promotion from the level below at the first attempt.
A down side? If previous visits to the north east are a guide, then it’ll be freezing by November.
Warrington Town v Witton Albion
Thursday, December 26 (ko 3pm)
ALBION supporters will be optimistic that a change of venue on Boxing Day will bring with it better fortune from a meeting with their closest-rivals (in geographical terms).
The Yellows have ruined Christmas – well, almost – in each of the past two years by pilfering maximum points from a visit to Wincham Park after scoring a last-gasp goal.
Simply not having to sit through that a third time is a result.
However Paul Carden’s men have found Witton a much more difficult nut to crack on their own pitch too; a dour 0-0 draw at Easter dashed any lingering hopes Warrington had of claiming the title.
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