Witton begin their pre season preparations when they welcome League Two Salford City to the U Lock It Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Manager Ben Harrison will take charge of his first full pre season having been thrown in at the deep end a year ago.
The management team have managed to keep a lot of last season’s squad together and have added to it in recent weeks with both, youth and experience.
The loss of Mike Koral was indeed a big blow but, things moved on and new players are now able to put their names in the frame ahead of the new campaign.
Loanees Louie Fallon, Joel Bailey and Alfie Henderson have all returned to their parent clubs, indeed Alfie may well feature against us in the game.
New arrivals in defence and in attack will give the manager a nice selection problem, but everyone starts with the same opportunity to show their worth to the squad.
The return of striker Joe Duckworth will no doubt surprise many but we all know his capabilities and he will hopefully be able to provide the goals needed, alongside some new faces as well in Freddy Garbutt and Harry Lynn.
Witton take on a Salford City team which will be somewhat different to the personnel on show in the previous meeting back in July 2023, when Witton put in an excellent showing in what turned out to be a tremendous game.
The aforementioned Joe Duckworth was amongst the Albion scorers on that occasion as they edged a nine-goal thriller.
Pre season is all about trying new things and experimenting, a time for new players to get to know their teammates but mostly getting match fitness into them.
The season is almost here and everyone will be hoping that things go well and that Witton enjoy a more successful season this time around.
Kick off at the U Lock It Stadium is 3pm.
WITTON ALBION FC,
THE U LOCK IT 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.
Admission Prices: Adults: £6, Concessions(Over65’s/Disabled): £4, Young Adults: (18-21 Year Old’s): £3, Under 18’s: £2.
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: Unfortunately, there will not be a programme on sale for the friendlies.
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.
There is also a bar inside the stadium near the Club Shop(Museum): Selling Alcohol, Soft drinks & Snacks. Please note: Alcohol MUST be in a plastic beaker.
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.
The Snack Bar will also be open at the Wincham End of the stadium and Juniors are welcome to use either Tea Bar within the stadium if preferred.
Please note: Hot & cold drinks and snacks are available at the Snack Bar at the Wincham End of the stadium. Hot food is only available inside the stadium from the Tea Bar (Queenies) at the Lostock End of the stadium past the main stand.
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: The football club are in the process of installing a FanZone at the Lostock End of the stadium - past the Social Club. This will be accessible via gates on the outside. There will also be gates installed pitch side.
Please note: The FanZone will not be in use during pre season. The aim is to open It for the first competitive Home game of the new season - whether that is the FA Cup or the first Home league fixture.