WITTON Albion meet 1874 Northwich in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup final on Monday.

Here’s why we think 90 minutes at Wincham Park matters:

Witton’s wait to win a trophy has gone on long enough

Albion have, of course, won a final in recent memory – a 3-0 destruction of Curzon Ashton in 2012 that secured promotion to the Northern Premier League’s top-flight via the play-offs.

However they have not savoured knockout success since beating Congleton in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup seven years ago.

Manager Carl Macauley would love to improve on what has already been a successful 2016 – his side have won half of their 20 First Division North matches since New Year’s Day – on the pitch by adding a piece of silverware.

“It would breed confidence going into next season,” he told the Guardian on Friday afternoon.

1874 are contesting a first final

No matter the competition that’s significant, according to manager Ian Street.

Sometimes it is easy to forget this is only 1874’s third season, and they continue to reach milestones on along the way.

A maiden meeting with Witton last term was one, to beat Albion in a final would be another.

The club has worked hard to build credibility, and winning silverware will help establish them further as footballing force.

“It’s a big moment for us,” said Street this week.

“At the start of the season, I set a target of reaching a final. To win would be a bonus.”

A rivalry between the clubs is to be encouraged

Last season’s clash between Witton and 1874 delivered everything; excitement, goals, red cards, a comeback and a stoppage-time winner.

It really was a magnificent game.

I wrote in a column the following week that a traditional rivalry between neighbours would take time to develop, and that isn’t going to be changed by Monday’s second instalment.

Ian Street has already described it as a ‘big moment’ for his side to take on Albion – something he intends as a compliment to the higher-ranked club.

Witton will remain so even if they lose a one-off game, but the result is important – even to those who publicly claim otherwise.

Outcome can be a tone-setter for next season

Managers of both teams have talked about the impact winning a trophy could have on their preparations for next season.

Carl Macauley wants to deliver a top 10 finish and a cup, something that felt far away when he replaced Scott Dundas in the dugout at Wincham Park last October.

“The higher we finish in the table, the easier it makes my job when I talk to lads about signing for us,” he said.

Ian Street has articulated similar.

If 1874 can catch Atherton Collieries in the next fortnight, they will match last term’s top-three finish.

To finish fourth isn’t a disaster, but the fillip winning a final could bring is not lost on him.

It may settle a ‘best striker’ debate

Rob Hopley, of Witton, and 1874’s Matthew Beadle have displayed a rich vein of form.

The former, with a hat-trick against New Mills on Saturday, has increased his goal tally for Albion to 20 in league games since making his debut in December.

Meanwhile Beadle has hit the net 26 times in the North West Counties League for his side.

They’re different players; Hopley’s aerial and physical prowess contrasts to Beadle’s technical ability and movement.

However they share the same ruthless composure in front of goal and an awareness of where supporting teammates are when in possession.