Winsford United and Barnton start North West Counties season

Barton and Winsford United start their 2023/24 North West Counties League campaigns this weekend, as do a host of Cheshire League clubs.

Winsford, whose drop down to Division One South prevented them from being moved laterally into the Midland League by the FA, kick off away to Alsager Town on Saturday, 3pm, before hosting Brocton at Barton Stadium on Tuesday, 7.45pm.

Barnton welcome Sandbach United to Townfield on Saturday, 3pm, and will then visit New Mills on Tuesday, 7.45pm.

Blues, who have appointed a new commercial director in the past week in the shape of regular supporter Karl Woodward, go into the new term on the back of a 5-1 home loss to higher league FC United of Manchester at the weekend.

Winsford United versus FC United of Manchester on Saturday (Image: Gary Moore #unitedwinsford)

It was considered a ‘good run-out’ for Winsford, who won two and drew two of their six pre-season friendlies.

Before that clash, Blues confirmed the retention of goalkeeper Arran Lyons for the new campaign.

Meanwhile, commencing their Cheshire League seasons this Saturday are Middlewich Town at Garswood United, Lostock Gralam at Whaley Bridge Athletic, Winsford Town at St Helens Town and Hartford at home to Pilkingtons under 23s.

Hartford will be away to Sandbach Town on Tuesday, 6.45pm, while on Wednesday Middlewich Town travel to Winstanley, 7pm, and Winsford Town host St Helens Town at Witton Albion’s U Lock It Stadium, 7pm.

Pre-season action continues for Witton, 1874 Northwich and Northwich Victoria.

Witton, who drew 2-2 at home to Warrington Rylands on Saturday, faced Salford City on Tuesday.

Left-back Taylor Kennerley is the latest to commit himself to Albion for the new season.

1874 Northwich fell 5-1 at Wythenshawe at the weekend and then entertained Atherton Collieries on Tuesday.

They continue their preparations at Liversedge on Saturday, having also confirmed over the past week that 23-year-old midfielder Lucas Weir has returned to the club from Marine while defender Jack Marrow and Sam Adetiloye have been retained.

Northwich Victoria’s new era in the Midland League will start with a home clash against Studley on Saturday, August 12.

Their newly assembled squad continues to prepare in friendly fixtures, the latest being an 8-1 loss at Newcastle Town followed by a 3-2 defeat at Thackley with the final warm-up game being away to Hanley on Friday.

The stack of Vics signings recently confirmed include midfielders Lucas Jones, Kev Exell, Tom Jenkins, Bailey Burke, attackers Archie Angles, Max Giani, Malakai McKenzie, Sieco Camara and defender Kyle Phipps.