WITTON Albion face a new foe in the Cheshire FA Senior Cup after being paired with Sandbach United in a draw for the preliminary round.

Carl Macauley’s men will visit the debutants, promoted from the Cheshire League to the North West Counties League at the end of last season, on a date to be decided.

1874 Northwich have a more familiar opponents blocking their path in the form of league rivals Congleton Town.

The two teams tend to serve up thrillers at Booth Street too, including a 4-2 win for Ian Street’s side – after they had trailed 2-0 with an hour played – last month.

A 4-4 draw in last season’s corresponding fixture stands out too.

Meanwhile Winsford United will have home advantage for their meeting with National League side Macclesfield Town.

Blues are buoyed by their performances in knockout competition already this season, taking higher-ranked Whitby Town to a replay in the FA Cup before bowing out in the first qualifying round on Monday night.

Barnton received a bye to the next stage while Northwich Victoria, who reached the semi finals last season after contesting the previous two finals, will enter at a later round.

Draw

Cheshire FA Senior Cup

Preliminary round (to be played before week ending Saturday, November 5)

Alsager Town v Nantwich Town

Cheadle Town v Runcorn Town

Congleton Town v 1874 Northwich

Sandbach United v Witton Albion

Stalybridge Celtic v Cammell Laird

Stockport Town v Crewe Alexandra

Winsford United v Macclesfield Town

Byes Altrincham, Barnton, Hyde United, Runcorn Linnets, Warrington Town

Exemptions Chester, Northwich Victoria, Stockport County, Tranmere Rovers