Why should I watch..?

Witton are the remaining representative from mid Cheshire still in the FA Cup this season.

They will be hoping to improve on an uncharacteristically lethargic performance during a midweek stalemate with Marine, and that includes ending a near four-hour spell without scoring.

The draw had been kinder to them than it was 12 months ago, which sent South Shields to Wincham Park, and they will be desperate to avoid falling at the first hurdle.

Bottesford Town, from the Northern Counties East League’s Premier Division, have never reached the second qualifying round.

However the Poachers are enjoying themselves in knockout competitions this season, and have to date recorded three wins between FA Cup and FA Vase.

What they’ve said

“The FA Cup is important, and that goes without saying.

“Of course, the financial incentives for the club are bigger than ever and we’re fully aware of that.

“However as a manager I’ll remind my players that this is a competition that gives them an opportunity to test themselves against teams from a higher level if you can make progress.”

Carl Macauley, Witton Albion manager

Numbers game

Witton are making their 100th appearance in the FA Cup. They haven’t reached the first round since 1995

Witton team news

Carl Macauley continues to wait on the Welsh FA for permission to complete the transfer of Will Booth from Colwyn Bay.

The same applies to Shane Williams, who has been awaiting international clearance for longer.

The Albion boss reflected following a draw with Marine on Tuesday night that one or two of his players looked jaded, and so may be persuaded to make changes.

Man to keep an eye on

River Humphreys

Has been Witton’s outstanding performer in the past two matches, and his influence on the team is growing.

A vocal presence that is needed on the field following the summer departures of Anthony Brown and Paul Williams, he could be heard driving the team forward during a midweek meeting with Marine.

Not only that, his anticipation and ability to avert danger in the same game ensured his side kept a clean-sheet.

Form (past six)

Witton D L W W D L

Bottesford W D W L D W

Route to this round

Witton Exempt

Bottesford PR bt Loughborough Dynamo (a) 4-2; EPR bt Radford (h) 3-1

Last season in FA Cup

Witton First Qualifying Round

Bottesford First Qualifying Round

Remember when…?

Witton last played a side from the Northern Counties East League in an FA Cup tie?

It did not end well.

After eliminating Prescot Cables and Ramsbottom United, the Northwich club travelled to Bridlington for a second qualifying round encounter on September 28, 2002.

They were eliminated following a 3-1 defeat.

Essential information

When Saturday, September 8

Kick-off 3pm

Address Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA

Admission Adults £10, Concessions £7, Under 21s £5, Under 16s £2

Replay date Wednesday, September 12 (ko 7.45pm)

Prize money £6,000