THIS time last year 1874 Northwich were preparing to be the first side to play host in that season’s edition of the FA Cup.

However they’d played two league games in the run-up.

Ian Street’s side have had no such luxury this summer, instead kicking off a new campaign with an extra preliminary round encounter with neighbours Barnton tomorrow, Saturday.

“For me, it’s the best way to start,” said captain Matthew Woolley.

“We have to win; there’s no second chances.”

A promising pre-season, during which 1874 avoided defeat in each of their half-dozen friendlies, suggests they’re ready to take on the Villagers.

Woolley certainly thinks so.

He said: “Everybody is eager, and wants to impress.

“It’s been an intense pre-season, more so than in previous years.

“I think that’s down to the quality of player the gaffer has brought in. They’ve all won stuff elsewhere.

“The competition for places is genuinely frightening – he can pick pretty much any 11 he wants and they’ll be strong.

“I think it’s good to have a cup game first up; there’s a chance to earn good money for the club if we win, and playing against a neighbour should mean there’s a decent gate.”

Saturday’s encounter is worth £1,500 to the victor.

It also marks a return to Barton Stadium for goalkeeper Matthew Conkie, who left last December after making 120 appearances.

Jack McKay and Josh Crofts have also had brief spells with 1874.

“Conks will want to play well, I’m sure,” added Woolley.

“Our mind-set has to be right, because it wasn’t last season.

“We can’t turn up and expect to roll teams over, we have to prepare properly and try to avoid the inconsistency that has cost us at times in the past.

“Lads shouldn’t know they’ll be playing in the next game no matter what, because it’s unhealthy.

“I don’t think anybody can feel their place is safe in this group.”

Kick off at Barton Stadium on Saturday is 3pm.

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