Great rivals reschedule first meeting in years

The Mid-Cheshire District FA Challenge Cup Final between EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Witton Albion and Northwich Victoria has been rescheduled.

The great rivals were set to contest their first competitive cup clash in nearly a decade at Wincham Park on Saturday 14 April but will now meet at Witton's home on Thursday 23 April in a 7.45pm kick off.

The clubs last met competitively on January 30 2007 when Vics won 2-1 at the ground in the semi-finals of the Cheshire FA Senior Cup.

The First Division North's Vics booked their passage to the final by knocking out holders Winsford United in a 1-0 away win. Premier Division Witton secured their berth with a 3-2 home victory over Northwich 1874.

Since first entering the competition, Vics have lifted the trophy 15 times, the last occasion coming in 2011 when they overcame Congleton 5-3 on penalties after drawing 3-3 after extra-time.

The Wittoners have notched up eight wins to date and last lifted the trophy in 2009 when they beat Congleton 2-0.

Despite their proximity and historic rivalry, the clubs have not met in league action since 1994. When they clashed in a league derby back on Good Friday 1949, a record crowd of 11,290 locals saw the fixture!

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | The NPL group on Facebook by clicking here: www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/.