NORTHWICH Victoria will no longer be competing in the Heys Invitational Cup this summer because the event has been cancelled.

Steve Wilkes' side were due to be one of 16 teams contesting the event created in the wake of the North West Counties League season being curtailed for a second successive season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

They had been preparing to face Chadderton at Prestwich Heys in their first group game this Saturday, which was then put pack a week because of Prince Philip's funeral.

But today the organisers have announced the event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

A Vics statement reads: "The Cup was due to commence April 24 running for six consecutive Saturdays with four teams in six groups and all Vics' games at Prestwich Heys FC.

"We shall keep you informed of any fixtures that are re-arranged for this period, but please remember that currently no spectators are allowed to attend."

A Tweet from the organises, Prestwich Heys, reads: "The club would like to thank everyone involved in the planning of this tournament, especially the clubs involved."

Wilkes had been looking to use the event to build up his players' match fitness for next season while also enjoying the freedom of being able to play football again at grassroots level following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

And he had set sights on reaching the final so that fans would hopefully be able to attend at that stage.

To prepare for the tournament, Vics played a friendly at Eagley on Saturday which they won 4-1 and against Ashton Town last night, Tuesday, which they won 2-1.

It is has been a busy period since restrictions on outdoor organised sport being lifted on March 29

“The boys have responded good. One or two are obviously working Saturdays now because they’ve got other jobs etc, so we’ve not had a full quotation of players yet," Wilkes told the Guardian prior to the friendlies.

“It’s been good to see the lads back. We had a good session last Saturday – we brought a few beers for the lads after to have a drink so it was good to see them as we haven’t seen them since November last year.”

He provided a squad update.

“We’ve had a couple that have left. Louis Potts has gone to AVRO, Matt Cook and Callum Jones have both returned to West Didsbury," he said.