NORTHWICH Victoria will head into their Macron Cup quarter-final with their current unbeaten run intact.

Steve Wilkes’ side drew 1-1 against West Didsbury and Chorlton in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division on Tuesday, taking them to nine games without a loss.

Matt Dudley headed Vics ahead with his 22nd goal of the season in the fifth minute but an 83rd-minute response from Ben Elliott resulted in a share of the spoils at The Steps Place Stadium.

The Trickies, who also hit the post in the first half via a Kuda Chingwaro shot, rarely looked in trouble until after Charlie Russell was sent off for a rash high tackle on Thomas Westall in the 73rd minute, after which the visitors were on the back foot.

Vics keeper Ryan Hamer came to the rescue when he was forced into a top-class save to tip a bullet header from a corner onto the bar and over in the 77th minute but he was not able to prevent Elliott’s header finding the net from a Rhain Davis cross.

Northwich, who were missing a few key players, worked hard while desperately hanging on at the end.

Focus now switches to Saturday’s trip to Congleton Town where they will attempt to reach the semi-finals of the Macron Cup, and they are scheduled to return to league action at Barnoldswick Town on Tuesday.

Witton Albion have suffered a huge setback in their bid to continue climbing the Northern Premier League West table.

The knee injury sustained by prolific striker Connor Hughes when he was brought down for a penalty at Macclesfield last Tuesday has been diagnosed as a grade two lateral collateral ligament tear, along with a small fracture.

Hughes, who is in a knee brace and using crutches, may not feature again this season.

"I'm absolutely gutted," said Hughes, who had contributed 11 goals in 12 games since joining the club and signed a deal recently to keep him at the U Lock It Stadium until the end of the 2023-24 season.

"I've really enjoyed playing for Witton. I feel right at home with everyone – the fans, players and staff – so I've been gutted to get injured."

Hughes said he does not want to pin the timescale for his return and is trying to have a positive outlook.

"It looks like I could be out for the rest of the season but if I can get back sooner I'll be trying my hardest to. If we say the season and I can come back sooner then that's a positive for everyone.

"I'll be working hard to get back as soon as possible.

"These things sometimes happen in football and I'm just looking forward to starting rehab and getting back on the pitch as soon as I can."

Eighth-placed Albion host struggling Widnes on Saturday and then Newcastle Town on Tuesday.

1874 Northwich have lost the services of teenage defender Alfie Henderson, who has been recalled from his loan by his parent club Salford City.

Northwich, seventh in NPL West, are seven points below a play-off position as they prepare to visit Trafford on Saturday and then host Kidsgrove Athletic on Tuesday.

Winsford United are gearing up for two NWCFL home games in three days, Prestwich Heys on Saturday and Kendal Town on Monday (8pm).

First Division South team Barnton are to entertain Stockport Georgians on Saturday and visit Abbey Hey on Tuesday.

Kick-offs are 3pm (Saturday) and 7.45pm (midweek), unless stated otherwise.