WITTON Albion will play a lot of games, 46 to be precise, on their return to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s Premier Division this season.

Two years after being relegated in agonising circumstances on the campaign’s final afternoon at Stamford, the Northwich club are just glad to be back in non-league’s third tier.

However some games stand out already as a must-see for Albion supporters.

Here are our top five picks from this morning's fixture release:

Witton Albion v Altrincham

Monday, August 28 (kick off 3pm)

ARGUABLY the biggest home game of the campaign will arrive within the first month when the Robins, relegated from National League North, arrive in town.

It is near-certain to be the largest crowd to watch a Premier Division match at Wincham Park, and marks a first league meeting between the Cheshire rivals since they were in non-league’s top tier together more than 20 years ago.

Altrincham, who could include former Witton favourites Ben Harrison and Josh Hancock in their starting line-up, will be among the favourites to win the title under new boss Phil Parkinson.

Stourbridge v Witton Albion

Saturday, November 4 (kick off 3pm)

THE Glassboys finished third last term, missing out on promotion to National League North after losing to Spennymoor Town in the play-off final.

Their War Memorial Ground, which is also home to Stourbridge Cricket Club, is among the most iconic in the Premier Division.

It is one of the loudest too, with Gary Hackett’s men watched by an average of more than 800 fans every other weekend last term – making them the best-supported side in the section.

If you’re picky about which away games you go to, then make sure this one is close to the top of the list.

Witton Albion v Warrington Town

Tuesday, December 26 (kick off 3pm)

“Who have we got on Boxing Day?” is a question every supporter asks when they scour a newly-published fixture list.

Despite their proximity, Witton have only been rivals for Warrington in three seasons – all in the First Division North – since joining the Northern Premier League in 1979.

However ambitious Yellows, under the guidance of manager Paul Carden since last October, are hoping to mount a serious challenge for promotion to the highest level in their history.

And their signings to date, including experienced front pair Tony Gray and Josh Hine, suggest they will be capable of doing exactly that too.

Altrincham v Witton Albion

Monday, January 1 (kick off 3pm)

During an interview with the Guardian, Witton defender Anthony Brown said the game he was most looking forward to was at Moss Lane.

Well, Albion will start 2018 there.

Their supporters have fond memories of their most recent visit too – a famous FA Cup second qualifying round victory in October 2011.

There were two divisions between the teams that day, when Alex Titchiner and substitute Mark Buchan were on target for Brian Pritchard’s side in a 2-0 win.

The Robins went on to finish eighth in the National League North that season, and it is to that competition they are seeking to return at the first attempt this time around.

Witton Albion v Shaw Lane

Saturday, March 17 (kick of 3pm)

One of Albion’s most thrilling victories last season was when the Ducks visited town on a blustery midweek evening.

Witton won 3-2, boosting their hopes of catching the Ducks in a race to be promoted as First Division South champions.

In the end, a single-goal reverse in the return game ended their hopes of taking top spot and they went on to go up as play-offs winners instead.

Both teams will have high hopes of holding their own at the next level, particularly the Barnsley-based outfit after adding prolific striker Damien Reeves to their roster.

He has replaced Gavin Allott, who has returned to Frickley.

To see Witton's calendar for the new season in full, click here.