WITTON Albion have received a bye to the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup final following the withdrawal of Northwich Victoria.

The holders told organisers a fixture-backlog had prompted their decision.

“Vics asked to pull out, and we’ve accepted,” said Mid-Cheshire District FA secretary Terry Harrop.

“They have games to fit in as a result of postponements over the past few months, and that’s made it difficult to fit in two possible fixtures in this competition.”

It means Albion, beaten 4-0 by Vics in last season’s showpiece, have a chance to go one better this time around.

They have not lifted the trophy since 2009, when they beat Congleton in the final.

Meanwhile 1874 Northwich will host Barnton in the other last-four tie on Wednesday week, March 30, kick off 7.45pm.