CARL Macauley has said Witton Albion’s meeting with 1874 Northwich in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup final on Monday is too close to call.

The rivals meet for only the second time at Wincham Park, where the hosts attempt to claim the trophy for the first time since 2009.

“I don’t believe in favourites,” said the former Marine manager.

“Derbies are unpredictable, and so are finals!

“To reach this stage of any competition is always great, to win would be even better and that’s the message I’ll be trying to get across to my players.

“To us, it’s an important match – one we’ll prepare for in the same way we have every other since I came to the club.

“I’ll pick a strong side that I hope can get the victory we’re all after.”

Albion avoided the embarrassment of becoming the first side to lose a Northern Premier League game against New Mills this season when Rob Hopley netted an equaliser on Saturday to earn a 3-3 draw.

It means Albion are the only side that has failed to beat the Millers this term.

Despite that setback, they remain a side in form after winning six of their past eight First Division North fixtures.

Only newly-crowned champions Warrington have beaten them in that sequence.

Macauley said: “We want to continue this run until the end of the season.

“One of the main things I’ve tried to instil in this group of players is to show passion when they put on this shirt.

“I think every one of them has done exactly that, which is why we’ve been able to produce results and climb the table.

“These lads are enjoying themselves; they’re smiling at training and producing performances on a Saturday.

“That breeds confidence, and I hope they can show that in a cup final [on Monday].

“I’m sure Northwich will want to win as much as we do, and they’ll want to put one over on us I’m sure.”

Albion will be without long-term injury absentees Danny Roberts (shoulder) and Tom Schofield (knee).

However Toby Mullarkey (head) is fit.