Preview from the Chester site. Could be a tough night for Ben and whoever plays alongside him!
[quote]Blues set for Semi Final Showdown
As well as having a great season in the league, Chester are just one win away from an appearance in a cup final, as Witton Albion come to the Exacta Stadium for tonight’s Cheshire Senior Cup semi-final.
With Stalybridge Celtic beating Northwich Victoria in last night’s other semi, the winner of tonight’s game will play Jim Harvey’s men at a neutral venue in Cheshire later this season.
Chester have not won the competition in over 80 years, but have given themselves a great chance this time with wins over Cheadle Town, Stockport Sports and, in the last round, Tranmere Rovers getting the Blues this far. The tournament has seen Martin Fearon play between the sticks so far, and some youth players have also been give run-outs.
Lee Trundle is available for selection for tonight’s game after having to sit out the Tranmere match following his transfer to the Blues, whilst Wes Baynes may return to tonight’s squad having not made the trip to Harrogate through personal reasons.
Witton, who last won the cup in 2006, overcame Runcorn Town and Congleton Town to reach this year’s semis, and the match will be an opportunity for Chester fans to welcome Michael Powell back to the Exacta. Also on the Northwich club’s books are Anthony Sheehan and Danny Meadowcroft, who were among the first players brought to Chester FC by Neil Young.
Albion were one of the clubs Chester faced in the Evo Stik Division One North in their first season after reforming. Few will forget the October 2010 game at Wincham Park, during which the Blues seemed to be cruising to victory thanks to goals from Michael Wilde and Bradley Barnes, only for two stoppage time strikes to level the scores. Incredibly, there was still time for George Horan to head in a last gasp winner and Chester won a dramatic game 3-2. The reverse fixture later that season was less memorable and ended 0-0.
Since then, Albion have been promoted to the Evo Stik Northern Premier Division, and look good for a playoff place at the moment. An exciting 4-3 win over Worksop Town on Saturday moved them up to third place in the table.
Tonight’s game has reduced admission prices of Adults £7, Concessions £5, Under 16s £3 (or FREE if accompanied by an adult). Kick off is at 7:45pm and the tie will be decided on the night, with extra time and penalties if necessary.
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