The Buildbase FA Challenge Trophy takes centre stage on Saturday afternoon when Witton welcome AFC Rushden & Diamonds to Wincham Park in the Second Qualifying Round. Familiar opponents to us during our season in the then Evo-Stik Division One South, saw the two clubs meet on three occasions with Albion prevailing in all three encounters culminating in our promotion back to the Premier Division via the Play Offs having overcome them at the Semi Final stage. Following their spell in the same leagues, AFC Rushden & Diamonds went in the opposite direction to Witton and are now members of the newly-formed Evo-Stik South Premier League Central where they currently sit around mid-table. They are in the midst of a decent run of form though going into the weekend having lost just one of their last nine games in all competitions. Since our last meetings, they have also moved to a new home at Hayden Park Sports Ground in the town and are now trying to climb the non-league pyramid once again. A few of the playing personnel from our last meeting in that Play Off season still ply their trade at AFC Rushden & Diamonds but there have been been additions to the squad like at all clubs. Witton will be looking to progress in the competition and hopefully build up a bit of form whilst Diamonds will have previous meetings fresh in their minds and they will feel that they have something to prove in getting the right result. A tough encounter is to be expected and Witton will need to be better than of late if they are to advance further. Kick off at Wincham Park is 3pm.
WITTON ALBION FC,
WINCHAM PARK,
CHAPEL STREET,
WINCHAM,
NORTHWICH,
CW9 6DA.
Parking: The Car Park is past the Social Club on the right. Please note: Parking for Disabled is available next to the turnstiles as you approach the stadium from the access road.
Admission Prices: Adults £10, Over 65’s/Disabled £7, 16-21 year olds £5, Under 16’s £2. Please note: Witton Albion Membership Cards are NOT valid for this fixture. Supporters are advised to enter the stadium by way of the turnstiles at the Wincham End of the ground.
Matchday Programme: £2 - A 48 page edition with a Commemorative Cover to mark “Remembrance” on sale inside the Social Club and also the stadium from the museum next to the turnstiles.
Social Club: The Social Club is open from 1pm.
Social Club Access: Before the game, the Social Club is accessible by way of the main entrance ONLY. From half time onwards the Social Club is accessible from inside the stadium via a passageway within the main stand. Please note: Alcohol is NOT permitted inside the stadium for this fixture.
Refreshments: Food is available from inside the Social Club before & after the game. The Tea Bar (Queenie’s) is also open during the game inside the stadium.
Please note: As the Social Club is now a full-time food preparation area, dogs are not permitted inside the building - with the exception of assistance dogs (hearing & visually impaired).
Additional Information: Should the game be drawn after normal time, the replay is scheduled to be played on Tuesday, 13th November at AFC Rushden & Diamonds - Hayden Park Sports Ground with a 7.45pm kick off and will be decided on the night with extra time and penalties if required. Should the game be decided on Saturday, Witton are scheduled to host Farsley Celtic in an Evo-Stik Premier Division fixture on Tuesday night also with a 7.45pm kick off, but that is also dependent on the outcome of Saturday’s Buildbase FA Challenge Trophy First Qualifying Round ties.
PLEASE NOTE: As the fixture is being played over the weekend of “Remembrance” the club will be observing a “two minutes” silence prior to the game in respect of all those who lost their lives whilst allowing us the freedoms which we enjoy today. The Royal British Legion Standard will be present and there will also be a collection around the stadium with all the proceeds going to the Royal British Legion “Poppy Appeal.” Please donate what you can to support this and THANK YOU.