Witton Albion Academy vs Skelmersdale United (ESPFA National Cup - Northern QF).

Other Albion Teams Youth Team News
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Skelmersdale United stand between Witton Albion’s Academy team and a place in the last four in the ESPFA National Cup, when the two clubs meet in the Quarter Finals at Sandbach Community Football Centre on Thursday afternoon.

The game will be the fourth meeting between the two this season, following the two league fixtures and the ESPFA National Cup Northern Group game with results being shared.

Skelmersdale had the better of the league games, taking four points with a 4-0 win at the U Lock It Stadium and a 2-2 draw in Lancashire but Albion came out on top in the National Cup Northern Group game, winning an entertaining game 4-2.

The winners of the tie will face the winners of the other Northern Quarter Final being played at the same time, between Northern Group Champions Runcorn Linnets and Mickleover FC, with the winners of the Witton Albion Academy vs Skelmersdale United game being at home.

The Quarter Finals have to be decided on the day with the possibility of penalties so it could be a very eventful afternoon for all concerned.

Kick off at Sandbach Community Football Centre is 12pm.

SANDBACH COMMUNITY FOOTBALL CENTRE,
HIND HEATH ROAD,
SANDBACH,
CHESHIRE,
CW11 3LZ.

Directions: Turn right onto King Street/A530. Continue to follow A530 for 0.3 miles. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on A530 and follow for 0.3 miles. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on A530 for 2.3 miles. Continue straight onto King Street/B5309, continue to follow King Street for 1.6 miles. Turn right onto Kinderton Street/A54 and follow for 0.1 miles. Turn left onto Leadsmithy Street/A533. Continue to follow A533 for 3.7 miles. Turn right onto Station Road/B5079. Continue to follow Station Road for 0.5 miles and continue onto Elworth Road follow for 0.3 miles. Turn right to stay on Elworth Road and continue for 299 ft. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Hind Heath Road/B5079 and follow for 0.2 miles. Turn left onto Restricted-usage road and proceed for 276 ft. Sandbach Community Football Centre is opposite the Cricket Club. (Total Distance - 11.6 miles).

Parking: The Car Park has spaces for 30 cars.

Admission Prices: Admission is FREE to everyone.

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Witton team:

Owen Bird-Martin, Zach Billinge, Jenson Bird, Will Pimblatt, Ryan Hough, Quinn Glithero, Isaac Shaw, Harry Woodham, Dan Williams, Mike Eleftheriadis, Jack Sandbach.

Subs: Dylan Darlington, Jake Tyson, Zach Williams, Harry Caulkin, Charlie Edwards.

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Half Time Score from Sandbach Community Football Centre:

ESPFA National Cup - Northern Quarter Final:

Witton Albion Academy 0 Skelmersdale United 1.

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Full Time Score from Sandbach Community Football Centre:

ESPFA National Cup - Northern Quarter Final:

Witton Albion Academy 1 Skelmersdale United 1.

The tie will be decided on penalties - the winners will face Runcorn Linnets in the Semi Finals on MONDAY, 16th MAY.

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Sadly, Witton’s involvement in the competition has come to an end at the Quarter Final Stage.

Skelmersdale United have prevailed on penalties but Witton can be proud of what they have achieved.

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Heartbreak!

Witton Albion Academy 1 Skelmersdale Utd 1.(Skelmersdale won on penalties)

Football can be a cruel, cruel game where you don’t always get what you deserve.
The lottery that is a penalty shootout ensured Skelmersdale progress to the semi-final.

A close first half ended with the visitors deservedly one up. After the break however the game was dominated by Witton, which culminated in a Zach Williams equaliser.

No matter how hard they pressed Albion couldn’t find the winner. So onto the penalties which Skelmersdale triumphed 5-3.

Special mention to some fabulous players, Zach Williams, Ryan Hough and Isaac Shaw, however for me Zach Billinge was once again the stand-out performance.

An excellent team effort, the lads can hold their heads high. This will only make them stronger.

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With around fifteen of the current squad set to be involved next year, the future holds a lot of promise and also allows for continuity but there will also be an influx of new students, as some of this year’s intake move on to further their carrers.