THE new season starts for 1874 Northwich and Northwich Victoria this week.

Their campaigns commence with FA Cup action, while league games get up and running a week later.

1874 Northwich visit Ossett United on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, while Vics go to Skelmersdale United tomorrow, Friday, kick-off 7.45pm – both in the FA Cup extra preliminary round.

1874 go into their tie in Yorkshire on the back of a 0-0 draw at Liversedge on Saturday in their final pre-season friendly.

Last season Ossett, who were 1-0 winners at home against Widnes in their friendly on Saturday, finished 15th in Northern Premier League East, while 1874 were 14th in NPL West.

Steve Pickup’s newly built Vics, who are preparing from scratch for life in the Midland League, face a Skem side who were demoted from the Northern Premier League last season due to ground grading, and like Vics have had to virtually start afresh in terms of putting together a squad.

They've had a mixed pre-season, losing at Ashton Town, Atherton LR, and Prestatyn while winning against Winstanley Warriors and Ashville.

If either of the FA Cup games end in a draw, replays will take place in midweek next week.

Meanwhile, Witton Albion have one more friendly before they start the season proper.

Albion will go to Atherton Collieries on Saturday, with new signing Harry Cain likely to be in the mix.

The midfielder has featured during pre-season and has previously played for Sandbach United and 1874 Northwich.

Elsewhere, Winsford United have welcomed back their former striker Sam Madeley and also added the versatile Matty France to their group as well as exciting attacking prospect Devon Renshaw.

However, they were beaten 4-1 by Brocton in their first home league game of the season on Tuesday night, despite scoring first through Ashley Woods after five minutes.

Winsford will be back in action at home to Droylsden on Saturday and then away to Cammell Laird 1907 next Tuesday at 8pm.

Barnton drew 1-1 at New Mills in midweek and are now preparing to visit Maine Road on Saturday, 3pm, before heading to Cammell Laird 1907 on Tuesday.