Saturday sees Witton and tenants Northwich Victoria contesting the second hosting of The Vijay Anthwal Memorial Trophy at Wincham Park.
The game in all intents and purposes is a pre season friendly but, it has an extra bit of significance to it as we come together to honour the memory of a man - Vijay Anthwal who not only served the club well but was also well-respected in the community.
The inaugural event was held two years ago with Witton coming out on top following a penalty shoot-out after the game had ended in a 1-1 draw. The plans to hold last year’s game were understandably put on hold, due to the Covid Pandemic as restrictions meant that the event couldn’t be attended in the way that was hoped.
Pre season has been a challenge for both clubs and with the current situation improved, hopefully we can look foward to watching the game which we all love.
Northwich are a bit further advanced in their preparations and have played five pre season friendlies so far, winning two, losing two and one drawn but, their league programme begins in a week’s time.
Witton have a few weeks ahead of them yet to prepare for the new Northern Premier League campaign but, there have been signs in pre season already that players are getting their sharpness and match fitness back despite lacking a few of the recognised team members.
As mentioned elsewhere, the gate receipts from the game are being donated to local NHS Charities in memory of Vijay as well as a “Thank You” to the NHS for their work during the Pandemic. Let’s hope that it’s a wonderful occasion for everyone.
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.
Admission Prices: Adults £7, Over 65’s/Disabled £5, Young Adults (18-21) £3.50, Under 18’s £1 (FREE with Junior Membership). Season Ticket Holders & GOLD Membership Card Holders - Admitted FREE.
All “gate receipts” are being donated to local NHS Charities in memory of Vijay as well as a “Thank You” to the NHS for their work during the Pandemic.
Admission is by cash payments at the turnstiles and there are NO restrictions on attendances.
Matchday Programme: £2.50 - On sale inside the stadium near the Museum & inside the Social Club. The issue covers all four “HOME” pre season friendlies.
Stadium Access: Before the game, the stadium is only accessible by way of the turnstiles. From Half time onwards access to the Social Club from inside the stadium will be permitted via the passageway within the main stand.
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.The One-way system through the Stelfox Lounge has been removed. Table Service is being 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: 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 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.
Additional Information: Season Tickets will be available on the turnstiles for supporters who haven’t already collected them from the Club Office.