Match Preview

Weather permitting, Witton look to play only their second game since November when they welcome Gainsborough Trinity to the U Lock It Stadium in a Northern Premier League fixture on Saturday afternoon.

Covid and the weather have prevented Albion playing in recent weeks so, they find themselves in the bottom three in the table but with games in hand on everyone else but football has to be secondary to the health, welfare and safety of everyone involved.

Gainsborough welcomed Witton to Lincolnshire on the opening day of the season, a game which saw the points shared in a 1-1 draw with loanee Nathan Woodthorpe netting on his debut which turned out to be his only goal in an Albion shirt.

Despite their limited activity, Witton have been able to add to the squad mostly with loan signings such as Joe Ferguson from Blackburn Rovers and latest addition Ben Pleavin, who has arrived from League Two Accrington Stanley to bolster the midfield in the short-term and provide cover for the injured Tom Owens and suspended Cesaire Lingouba.

The departure of Steve McNulty and the return of Will Sutton to his parent club Oldham Athletic, plus the injury to Nick Ryan have also hampered the management team's plans but Rob Hopley stepping into the centre of the defence has helped when the team have been able to play.

Witton's last outing on Boxing Day saw them beaten 4-1 by Warrington Town at the U Lock It Stadium, the seventh home defeat in eleven games which hasn't helped matters and they will be looking to address that in the weeks ahead hopefully starting this weekend.

The highlight of the season so far has been the form of striker Callum Saunders and although his goalscoring run came to an end in the Warrington game, he will be looking to go on another run and add to his total.

Gainsborough's away record so far hasn't been good with eight defeats on the road but they always provide tough opposition and this game will be no different.

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.

Due to shortage of time - their will be no online ticket sales for this game. Admission will be by way of cash payments at the turnstiles ONLY.

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.