Witton Albion preview

Next Saturday we make the short hop across to Cheshire to Wincham Park on the outskirts of Northwich. Their previous ground was the Central Ground, and as its name suggests was in Northwich town centre. The sale of the ground to Sainsbury’s allowed the club to move to a much more modern stadium, over a mile away in nearby Wincham. Rangers have fond memories of both grounds as in season 1984/85 we were presented with the NPL championship trophy after a 1-0 win thanks to Martin Hanchard’s penalty. The league had been won the previous Tuesday at Goole. Upon moving to the new ground Rangers were the first visitors for a pre-season game and our Terry Knight has the distinction of scoring the first goal on the new ground.

The first records of a Witton Albion F.C. are in 1887, and they were formed by a group of Northwich Victoria players, officials and supporters who chose to break away from the Vics in protest of the clubs’ decision to become a ‘professional’ side. Witton is a parish within the town of Northwich which may explain the club’s name. In 1910 they moved to a ground in Witton Street. Witton, now the senior side in Northwich, historically count Northwich Victoria has their rivals which has now extended to 1874 Northwich, a club ran by disgruntled Northwich Victoria fans.

In recent years this fixture has been eventful. 2017/18 saw us win 2-1 with Adam Whitehouse being sent off late in the game and our sub goalie came off the bench to save the penalty. Last season a last gasp Bignott strike saw us get a draw.

While we still lie bottom, despite our win over Scarborough, Witton Albion are 7th with a home record of won 8, drawn 1 and lost 5, which makes our task even harder. A task made harder as on Saturday Witton came away from leaders South Shields with 3 points having scored two goals in time added on. Remember our last visit to Cheshire, at Nantwich. We need to take heed of dramatic finishes. While we have a free midweek Witton travel to Basford Monday night. Basford are second so Witton will be on cloud nine for another scalp. However, Witton’s current form shows 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats, but we know that we are now unbeaten in 4 games.

We will clutch at all available straws so I hope fans can make the journey on Saturday to help cheer the team on.

Games played this century on 1st February this century.

2003 Grantham A 2-1 Southern League
2014 Frickley H 0-2 Northern Premier League