It was not to be a 100 percent preseason record For the Scholars as they fell to a 3-0 loss against Step three side Rushall Olympic. Before that however, we had made The Scholars Ground our fortress by defeating Brocton, Halesowen, Stafford Town, West Brom’s u21s, Coleshill, Anstey Nomads and Belper Town in a July that only saw us concede five goals.

Witton Albion are entering their fourth season in the West division and last season saw them in the places below the playoffs for most of the season, however two wins in there last ten games saw them drop to a final position of 17th, the lowest they have finished since returning to the division after relegation in 2022. Their low position saw them enter the extra preliminary round where they faced step five side Cheadle Town. Despite starting the game with 7 new signings Albion were able to breeze past there opposition 4-1 thanks to goals from new boys Freddy Garbutt, Tom Hoyle, ex Northern Ireland international James Lawrie and James Baillie.

New signings for the boys in red and white are Geffry Ebhote from Avro, Freddy Garbutt from Pilkington, Tom Hoyle from Ramsbottom, Joe Duckworth from Stalybridge Celtic, Cameron Terry from Widnes, Aaron Fleming from City Of Liverpool, Tom Farrell from Christleton, Jacob Hamman from Salford City and Joe Edwards from Atherton Collieries.

Witton’s preseason consisted of six games. It started with a 3-2 loss against League two outfit Salford City however Witton bounced back and defeated Litherland Remyca 2-1. This was followed by a poor performance where they lost 4-1 to Runcorn Town. This was followed up by 1-1 draws vs Northwich Victoria and Ashton United as well as a 4-1 loss to FC United of Manchester.

Last season saw both games end in a 2-1 win to the home side. In September Witton visited the Scholars Ground where Danny Glover’s Stunning effort into the top corner as well as a strike from Ben Lund allowed Chasetown to take the three points. This was despite Kevin Spinelli sliding a precise sliding finish home. We were not as lucky in the reverse fixture in April as a George Cater strike was cancelled out by goals for Damola Sotona and Mike Koral.

Tickets for Saturday are Adults £12 Concessions £7, 18-21’s £5 u18’s £3 and u5’s free. kick-off is 3pm at the U-Lock it stadium, Chapel Street, Northwich,CW9 6DA. Some important driving instructions are from the M6 junction 19, follow A556 towards Northwich for 3 miles then turn right at the beginning of dual carriageway onto A559. After 3/4 mile turn right at traffic lights at the Slow and Easy pub. After a further 3/4 mile turn left at the crossroads into Wincham Lane. Ground is 1/2 mile on left immediately after crossing the canal. All supporters are requested to park their vehicles on the main car park which is at the rear of the stadium located at the far end of the access road.