1874 NORTHWICH will travel to Berkshire, where they will be hosted by Thatcham Town, for the first leg of their FA Vase semi-final next month.

The teams were paired in a draw for the last-four broadcast live by talkSport on Monday.

Meanwhile the Hellenic League Premier Division outfit then head north to mid Cheshire for the return seven days later.

Marske United, rated by the bookmakers as favourites to lift the trophy at Wembley in May, take on Northern League rivals Stockton Town in the other tie.

“Lots of people from Northwich will hopefully come to watch us for the first time when we host the second leg,” said chairman Brian Edge.

“They’re obviously big games now.

“We’ve enjoyed fantastic support already; more than 400 people followed us to Leighton on Saturday – it was unbelievable.”

1874 progressed to the last four, and through an eighth round, following a 1-0 victory at Leighton.

Scott McGowan converted a first-half penalty, awarded by referee Simon Borrow following a foul on Jake Parker, to settle the outcome in his side’s favour.

Meanwhile Thatcham progressed by the same slender margin following Ekow Elliott’s goal in the 89th minute at Melksham Town.

That victory extended to 24 matches an unbeaten sequence in all competitions.

Neither side has reached this stage of the competition in previous attempts.

Draw

FA Vase semi-finals

First leg

Saturday, March 17

Marske United v Stockton Town

Thatcham Town v 1874 Northwich

Saturday, March 24

1874 Northwich v Thatcham Town

Stockton Town v Marske United