WITTON Albion will host Winsford United in the semi-finals of the Mid Cheshire Senior Cup at the U Lock It Stadium in Wincham on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

This follows Winsford’s 2-1 win at Barnton in a battle of the two North West Counties First Division South clubs in the first round last night.

Although The Villagers broke the deadlock when Nivaldo Ferreira netted in the 59th minute, Blues responded instantly through Ross Aikenhead and then sealed their success courtesy of James Phillips in the 80th minute.

The best chances in the first half came Winsford’s way, with Dylan Woods finding himself one-on-one with the keeper but his drilled low shot brought a fine save out of Patrick McLoughlin.

Blues got close again in the 33rd minute when Ben Reade got forward but smashed his effort against the post from a wide angle.

Barnton’s goal came from Ferreira having a free header from very close range, giving Conor Harte no chance to keep the ball out.

But three minutes later a superb delivery from Woods went over the Barnton defenders, allowing Aikenhead to head the ball straight into the bottom corner.

The winning goal came from a corner, with Ashley Leather swinging the ball in, Reece Davies flicking it on and Phillips getting the last touch as the ball crept into the bottom corner.