WITTON Albion have announced some squad news as preparations continue towards the new season’s start next month.
Midfielder Harry McGee and three strikers Elliot Rokka, Joe Duckworth and Will Igoe are all now confirmed as signed up for the 2024/25 campaign.
It was pleasing for many, including manager Jon Macken, to see McGee back in a red and white striped shirt in the second half of Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Winsford Town at the U Lock It Stadium.
Hopes are now high that McGee can bury the memories of months blighted by injury.
The 21-year-old former FC United and Wigan under 21s midfielder made 29 appearances for Witton in the 2022/23 campaign.
Igoe has returned to the club after his 2022/23 campaign with Witton was ruined by injury but he is now fully fit and looking to add to his goal tally.
Rokka was a leading light in Albion’s push to reach the play-offs last season, as was Duckworth who scored 12 goals in 33 appearances.
In the two seasons and 75 games in which Duckworth has turned out for Albion, Duckworth is averaging a goal every three games.
Macken’s men defeated Winsford Town 11-0 in Saturday’s 'Reg Hardingham Memorial Trophy' friendly, honouring the club’s former vice chairman who died in February, aged 93.
Duckworth netted three times and Saul Henderson twice, while also among the goals were Igoe, Ollie Hitchcox, Jim Lawrie and trialists.
Albion continue their friendlies at home to Lancaster City on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, before hosting neighbours 1874 Northwich next Tuesday, July 30, kick-off 7.30pm, as they build up to their first game of the season in Northern Premier League West on Saturday, August 10, at home to City of Liverpool.
Before playing Witton, 1874 are in action on Wednesday at home to a Salford City XI, kick-off 7.45pm at Townfield Lane as they continue preparations for their first season in the Midland Football League Premier Division.
They beat their landlords Barnton 4-0 on Saturday with two goals each from Joel Jones and Jack McKean.
Chris Herbert’s side had drawn 1-1 away to higher-league Kidsgrove Athletic in their previous outing.
1874’s first competitive match of the new season will be away to Stockport Town in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on Saturday, August 3.
That will be Northwich Victoria’s opening day as well, hosting Squires Gate in the same competition.
Their friendlies continue at Ramsbottom on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm, and then Kidsgrove on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.
Vics fell 4-3 at Darwen on Saturday but fought back from 3-0 down with two goals from Sam Unwin and another from Will Lloy, but were never able to get back on level terms.
They suffered a blow in last Wednesday's 4-2 win against Runcorn Town when Matty Birchall fractured his cheek bone and will now be sidelined for quite a period of time.
Unwin was again on the mark, along with Marcus Perry, Callum Parker and Joe Keyworth.
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WINSFORD Town Walking Football Club held a tournament in aid of Mid Cheshire Mind at Moss Farm and they, along with Lambourne Walking Football Club, lifted cups
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