FOR 1874 Northwich, an opportunity to go toe-to-toe with neighbours Witton Albion again is significant whether they win or lose.

Manager Ian Street said at the start of the season he wanted his side to contest a final, and on Monday will they meet their rivals at Wincham Park in the Mid-Cheshire District FA’s showpiece.

“It’s a big moment for us,” he said.

“We’re probably not favourites to beat Witton, but we’ll be playing in a final for the first time since the club was formed.

“To lift a trophy at the end of it would be a great bonus.”

His players start the game after a busy week in which they’ve played four times.

They’re in form though, winning seven of the previous nine games in league and cup.

The only reverse in that sequence was at home to Darwen on Tuesday, a contest played 24 hours after a semi-final success away to Barnton.

Street said: “It’s not too bad if there’s a day to rest in between games, but it’s hard for lads to recover if they have to play again the next day.

“It isn’t long enough to shake off knocks or to give niggles a chance to settle.

“We made lots of changes after playing Barnton, but most of the guys we brought in were short on match practice.

“Darwen sensed that we were vulnerable, and made the most of it.”

He told the Guardian that Monday’s encounter with Witton, a second between the teams following a thrilling last-four tie in last season’s Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup, was the most important in a sequence that includes a derby with landlords Winsford United and a trip to old foes Runcorn Linnets next weekend.

That run started yesterday, Saturday, with a 1-0 win against AFC Liverpool that keeps alive hopes 1874 can repeat a top-three finish they achieved during their debut campaign in the North West Counties League top-flight.

“I’m not thinking about Winsford or Linnets just yet,” admitted Street.

“For now, our attention is on Witton.

“It’s great if these games stoke a rivalry between the clubs, although we’re not yet at their level in the pyramid. That’s where we’re trying to get to.

“For now, this is a game I hope our fans and players can enjoy like they did last season.

“It would be nice if we won this one, mind!”