Witton return to the Bedspace Trust Community Stadium for the first home game since 10th October as we welcome local rivals Runcorn Linnets in a Northern Premier League West Division fixture.
Two successive defeats on the road at Clitheroe and Chasetown respectively, haven’t done too much damage position wise but, it has meant that the gap between them and the play off places has widened a little.
The last reverse at Chasetown was disappointing as Witton were in the ascendency towards the latter stages of the game before conceding three times in the last half an hour.
We have to put that behind us now as we go in search of three points against a Runcorn Linnets side who have been rather inconsistent at times.
Following the departure of manager Michael Ellison, players Peter Wylie and Jacques Welsh have taken up the mantle until the end of the season but it has meant a huge rebuilding following the departure of the majority of last season’s squad.
Linnets go into the game two points worse off than Ben Harrison’s team and have played three games more at this stage so the points are massive for both teams but for different reasons.
Going into the game Linnets have won only once on their travels, a 1-0 success at Mossley back in September so they will be looking to address that.
A 2-2 draw against Vauxhall Motors last week was secured with a late goal from Harry Gerrard, his second of the game.
Linnets still have players capable of causing problems for opposing defences particularly leading scorer Nick Rushton and fellow striker Lewis Buckley.
Their last three away games has seen them concede nine goals in three defeats and Witton will be hoping that continues at least for another game.
Personnel wise, the return of Billy Jones at Chasetown albeit briefly, was a positive for everyone particularly after more than a year out of action but it will take a bit of time for him to regain his match fitness.
The game could also see Albion forward Lewis Crane feature against his former employers for the first time since joining the club.
Last season’s meetings saw the two teams share the points at Wincham Park in a 1-1 draw whilst Witton ran riot in the return at the APEC Taxis Stadium scoring five without reply, a hat-trick from Freddy Garbutt being the main contribution.
November is a busy month for the team with four home games in quick succession as well as away trips to contend with and they’ll be looking to start in a positive manner.
Kick off at The Bedspace Trust Community Stadium is 3pm.
WITTON ALBION FC,
THE BEDSPACE TRUST COMMUNITY STADIUM,
CHAPEL STREET,
WINCHAM,
NORTHWICH,
CW9 6DA.
Parking: The Car Park is past the Social Club on the right. Please note: Parking for Disabled is near to the turnstiles at the Wincham End of the stadium - the first entrance as you approach the stadium from the access road.
Admission is by way of Card or cash payments at the turnstiles at the Wincham End of the stadium on matchday.
Match Tickets can also be purchased ahead of the game via the Fanbase app but please note: There is a 50p booking fee payable.
Tickets purchased online will be scanned at the turnstiles from mobile phones.
Admission Prices: Adults: £12, Concessions(Over65’s/Disabled): £7, Young Adults: (18-21 Year Old’s): £5, Under 18’s: £3(Free with a Junior Membership Card), Under 5’s: Admitted FREE.
Stadium Access: Before the game, the stadium is only accessible by way of the turnstiles. Wheelchair users access is via the gate near to the turnstiles at the Wincham End of the stadium.
Disabled Facilities: There are two sections - one at each end of the main stand for Wheelchair users.
Due to the changing of the arrangements for access to the Social Club, the turnstiles will be open 2 hours prior to kick off - 1pm on Saturdays, 6pm for midweek games unless otherwise stated.
Matchday Programme: Please note: Matchday Programmes are now being produced in digital format. QR Codes will be placed around the stadium on matchday for supporters to access it. A link will also be posted on Social Media ahead of each game.
Social Club: The Social Club will be open from 1pm. Please note: Card payments are accepted at the bar.
Please note: The Social Club can only be accessed from inside the stadium after entering via the turnstiles. From half time onwards, the Social Club is accessible via the passageway within the main stand.
Please note: As the Social Club is a food preparation area, dogs are NOT permitted inside the Social Club with the exception of assistance dogs(hearing and visually impaired).
Please note: Alcohol is permitted inside the stadium but MUST be in a plastic beaker.
We now have Re-usable Cups for a £2 deposit(Returnable) - Same rules but a different design.
Refreshments: Food is now available once again within the Social Club and The Tea Bar (Queenies) will also be open inside the stadium at the Lostock End of the stadium.
Other Facilities: Please note: it is not possible to confirm whether the FanZone, Can Bar by the Museum/Club Shop or Wincham End Team Bar will be open - This will depend on whether there are enough volunteers available.
Toilet Facilities: There are toilet facilities in all four corners of the stadium, as well as inside the main entrance to the Social Club which also has a wheelchair accessible facility.
Hand Sanitizers are positioned near to every entrance point around the Stadium & Supporters are welcome to use them.
Additional Information: Before kick off there will be a short service to commemorate Remembrance and to pay respects to those who sacrificed so much during two World Wars.
Always a tough game against our neighbours from Runcorn and coming off the back of 2 defeats, we need to get ourselves back in the game.
Team-wise not sure on injuries but heard Ebhote and Hoyle may be missing so I would like to see
Terry
Walls, Bembo-Leta, Davies, Sotona
Holmes, Kerr, Hamman
Edwards, Garbutt, Sotona
Good luck lads UTA
Full match commentary will be available on https://s5.citrus3.com:2020/public/radiowitton from around 2.45pm.
Witton team news & latest score updates will also appear on here as and when they become available.
Witton team news & latest score updates will appear here as and when they become available.
Team news: Witton make four changes to the starting line-up beaten at Chasetown last Saturday. Danny Kerr, Reece Davies, Ben Holmes & Deji Sotona all start. Joel Bembo-Leta, Jacob Hamman & Ollie McDonough drop down to the bench but Tom Hoyle & Matt Cook are not involved.
Witton team:
Cameron Terry, Jack Walls, Damola Sotona, Danny Kerr, Reece Davies, Wade Rutherford, Deji Sotona, Ben Holmes, Freddy Garbutt, James Lawrie, Joe Edwards.
Subs: Billy Jones, Joel Bembo-Leta, Jacob Hamman, Lewis Crane, Ollie McDonough.
Linnets have former Albion keeper Calvin Hare & former loanee Defender Jack Byrne in their starting line-up whilst midfielder Harry McGee is named amongst their substitutes.
Yellow card:
Runcorn Linnets Jacques Welsh on 3 minutes.
GOAL
Latest Score from The Bedspace Trust Community Stadium:
Witton Albion 0 Runcorn Linnets 1.
Nick Rushton gives Linnets the lead on 6 minutes.
10 minutes played - Linnets still lead courtesy of Nick Rushton’s goal.
Yellow card:
Runcorn Linnets Kian Bell on 14 minutes.
Latest Score from The Bedspace Trust Community Stadium:
Witton Albion 0 Runcorn Linnets 1.
20 minutes played.
Yellow card:
Runcorn Linnets Lewis Buckley on 22 minutes.
GOALLLLL
Latest Score from The Bedspace Trust Community Stadium:
Witton Albion 1 Runcorn Linnets 1.
Danny Kerr equalises for the Albion on 22 minutes - from close-range following a corner.
30 minutes played - Still 1-1.
Yellow card:
Witton’s Deji Sotona on 35 minutes.
GOALLLLL
Latest Score from The Bedspace Trust Community Stadium:
Witton Albion 2 Runcorn Linnets 1.
Deji Sotona puts the Albion ahead on 43 minutes with his first goal of the season from Joe Edwards cross.
Half Time Score from The Bedspace Trust Community Stadium:
Witton Albion 2 Runcorn Linnets 1.
Brilliant good player Deji !
GOALLLLL
Latest Score from The Bedspace Trust Community Stadium:
Witton Albion 3 Runcorn Linnets 1.
Ben Holmes adds Witton’s third on 55 minutes - shooting home from 25 yards.
GOALLLLL
Latest Score from The Bedspace Trust Community Stadium:
Witton Albion 4 Runcorn Linnets 1.
Wade Rutherford gets his first goal in an Albion shirt on 61 minutes - heading home from a corner.
Yellow card:
Runcorn Linnets Jack Byrne on 61 minutes.