Match Preview

Witton turn their attention to the Emirates FA Challenge Cup on Saturday afternoon when they make the relatively short trip to Atherton Collieries in the Second Qualifying Round.

Following their excellent performance and result at Scarborough Athletic in the last round, Albion will be looking to put their league form behind them and hopefully progress to the next stage of the competition.

The fixture also sees the end to a run of four successive away games which have generally gone well with the exception of the midweek disaster at a very good and in-form Matlock Town but, we won't dwell on that any longer it's gone. There needs to be a reaction and Atherton Collieries will be expecting one.

This weekend's game will be the fourth meeting between the two clubs in the competition and Witton have an unblemished record so far, winning each of the other three.

The last meeting came back on 20th August, 2016 where Witton travelled to Alder Street and came away with a 3-1 victory courtesy of a brace from Tolani Omotola and a Prince Haywood goal.

This season, as Albion were beating Scarborough Athletic, Colls needed a replay to overcome Bridlington Town and had to do it the hard way following a 1-1 draw at home.

One familiar face amongst the Atherton Collieries squad is Lewis Doyle, who had a brief spell at Wincham Park a couple of seasons ago.

Witton will hopefully have better news on the injury front ahead of the game as they face another tough challenge, and they will need to be on form to progress in the competition.

The financial incentives as you go further in the competition can have an enormous impact on clubs at this level, there is also the opportunity to face clubs of a higher standard but that has to be earned.

Kick off at Skuna Stadium is 3pm.

ATHERTON COLLIERIES FC,
SKUNA STADIUM,
ALDER STREET,
ATHERTON,
GREATER MANCHESTER,
M46 9EY.

Directions: Merge onto M6 and follow for 11.6 miles. Leave the M6 at junction 22, take the A579/A49 exit to Newton/Leigh contine for 0.2 miles. At Winwick Interchange, take the 3rd exit onto Winwick Lane/A579 follow for 1.9 miles. Turn right onto Newton Road/A572 continue for 0.3 miles. Turn right onto East Lancashire Road/A580 continue for 1.3 miles. Turn left onto A579 and follow for 1.4 miles. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Atherleigh Way/A579 and follow for 2.4 miles. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Wigan Road/A577. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit and stay on Wigan Road/A577. After 0.1 miles turn left onto Mealhouse Lane/A577 and continue for 0.4 miles. Continue onto Church Street/A579 and follow for 0.1 miles. Sharp right onto High Street and follow for 0.1 miles. Turn left onto Alder Street - football stadium on the right after 423 ft. (Total Distance - 28.8 miles).

Parking: The Car Park is next to the ground.

Admission Prices: Adults £10, Concessions £6, Under 18's £4, Under 11's £1.

Matchday Programme: £2.

Social Club: The Social Club is on the side of the ground.

Refreshments: The Tea Bar is next to the Social Club.

Face coverings are not mandatory but are recommended in enclosed spaces.

Track and Trace system is no longer mandatory but is still available for supporters who wish to use it.

Should the game be drawn, the replay is scheduled to be played on TUESDAY, 21st SEPTEMBER at Wincham Park with a 7.45pm kick off. Should the game be settled then Witton will have a free week before their next league game.