Witton Albion vs Matlock Town.

Witton face another tough challenge on Saturday afternoon when they welcome league leaders Matlock Town to the U Lock It Stadium in a Northern Premier League Premier Division fixture.

The Gladiators are currently two points clear of their nearest challengers Bamber Bridge, and have two games in hand and kept up the recent form with a 3-2 victory at Hyde United in midweek, despite going a goal down inside the first minute.

Striker Liam Hughes added two more to his total, making it eight league goals for the season so will be a danger to the Albion defence as has already been the case this season.

Witton fought out a hard game last time out against Gainsborough Trinity last weekend in which the points were shared, a game which saw leading scorer Callum Saunders find the net for the thirteenth time since his arrival. The fomer Nantwich Town striker could have a big part to play in this encounter.

The game at The Proctor Cars Stadium earlier in the season produced a freak result and a horror show from the Witton perspective but, the team were missing several players at the time and it was to The Gladiators credit that they took full advantage of the situation.

Six of the squad who appeared on that horrendous night have in fact left the club, some due to their loans coming to an end and others moving on to new clubs.

Albion will be missing midfielder Cesaire Lingouba who completes his suspension whilst defender Nick Ryan is still missing through injury but hopefully, everyone else is available and in good shape.

Albion’s fortunes seemed to have changed after that one game as results and performances inproved, mainly due to the goalscoring exploits of the aforementioned Callum Saunders who went onto break the club record scoring in nine consecutive league games.

Lack of games in recent weeks hasn’t helped Witton’s cause and with Nantwich Town beating Gainsborough Trinity in midweek, we find ourselves in the relegation zone but with several games in hand on the other teams.

Playing the top teams always seems to bring out the better performances in Witton and they will have to produce another one if they are to bring a temporary halt to Matlock’s progress but it will be a difficult task.

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.

Admission Prices: Adults £11, Over 65’s/Disabled £8, Young Adults (18-21) £6, Under 18’s £2 (FREE with Junior Membership). Season Ticket Holders & GOLD Membership Card Holders are admitted FREE.

Advance ticket sales are available now via @skiddle

Buy online :arrow_heading_down:
https://skiddle.com/e/35986641

We continue to have cash turnstiles available for on-the-day sales.

Online ticket sales are available until mid-day on SATURDAY, 15th JANUARY.

Cash payments at the turnstiles will still be an option for supporters who wish to use them except for “All-Ticket” games.

Please note: Unfortunately, we can’t accept Card payments at the turnstiles.

Matchday Programme: £2.50 - On sale inside the stadium near the Museum & inside the Social Club.

Stadium Access: Before the game, the stadium is only accessible by way of the turnstiles.

Following the lifting of COVID restrictions, rules have now changed in and around the Social Club.

Social Club: The Social Club will be open from 1pm.

Social Club: Access to the Social Club is by way of the main entrance before the game but from half time onwards is accessible by way of the passageway within the main stand. The One-way system through the Stelfox Lounge has been removed. Table Service has been removed, so people can order drinks from one end the Bar and collect them from the other end. The screen where drinks are paid for at the cash point will remain in place - this is to protect Staff. Please note: There is to be NO Standing at the Bar. Face coverings are no longer mandatory but are recommended in enclosed spaces.

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.

Refreshments: Food is now available once again within the Social Club and The Tea Bar (Queenies) will also be open inside the stadium.

The Junior Snack Bar will also be open at the Wincham End of the stadium and Junior Membership Cards can be collected from Alan Jackson. Juniors are welcome to use either Tea Bar within the stadium if preferred.

The Track & Trace System is being kept for the time being but is NOT mandatory. Documentation will be placed by the entrance to the Social Club for those who wish to use it.

Hand Sanitizers are positioned near to every entrance point around the Stadium & Social Club and are being retained. Supporters are welcome to use them.

This is a game we need to get the 3 points to avenge the heavy defeat at Matlock. I think the players will be up for it to get their pride back, so us fans must show our faith in the team and get to the game and really get behind them. UTA

I think we will see a completely different side & game from the game at Matlock. Let’s not forget we had 8 or 9 injuries that night and 6 or 7 18 year olds playing who did well for the club under difficult circumstances.

The lads need a noisy crowd behind them and then I’m sure we can get a positive result.

It would be great to get 3 points we need them badly. Team-wise I’m unsure what Carl will do, for me it is hard to put out a good balanced 11 with only Wardle as a recognised centre half and only 2 strikers. I guess Hopley would be best at centre half (I’d like him up front as well) and Pleavin in midfield with Owens, Foley and Lawrie, leaving Jones and Saunders up top. Let’s hope we get it right. UTA

TEAM NEWS:

Witton will be without midfielder Cesaire Lingouba who completes his three match suspension whilst defender Nick Ryan is still missing through injury.