FRIENDLY matches are coming thick and fast as our local sides prepare for the 2022/23 season.

On Tuesday night, 1874 Northwich drew 2-2 at Winsford United, Witton Albion lost 4-1 at home to EFL League Two side Barrow AFC, Northwich Victoria drew 0-0 at Cheadle Heath Nomads while Barnton lifted the inaugural Terry Murphy Memorial Cup with a 6-1 home success against Middlewich Town.

Northwich Guardian: Barnton v Middlewich Town. Picture: Bryn Jackson PhotographyBarnton v Middlewich Town. Picture: Bryn Jackson Photography

Northwich Guardian: Barnton v Middlewich Town. Picture: Bryn Jackson PhotographyBarnton v Middlewich Town. Picture: Bryn Jackson Photography

Northwich Guardian: Witton Albion v Barrow AFC. Picture: Karl Brooks PhotographyWitton Albion v Barrow AFC. Picture: Karl Brooks Photography

This Saturday, 1874 visit Cheadle Heath Nomads, 2.30pm, Witton host Stalybridge Celtic, 3pm, Vics visit AFC Blackpool, 3pm, Winsford United head to Bacup Borough.

Winsford United 2 1874 Northwich 2, by Luke Reynolds:

THE build-up to the 2022/23 season for 1874 Northwich continued with a battling 2-2 draw at Barton Stadium, with their goals both coming from the penalty spot – player-coach Jamie Reed in the first half and Matt Woolley late on.

The clash was well contested, despite both sides making numerous substitutions, in front a good crowd of 200.

A very young 1874 looked the stronger of the two teams in the first half, with some good interlinking play and pushing forward as often as they could with wing-backs Ryan Hough and Liam Buckley showing up well.

Northwich Guardian: Player-coach Jamie Reed scores first for 1874 Northwich from the penalty spot. Picture: Luke ReynoldsPlayer-coach Jamie Reed scores first for 1874 Northwich from the penalty spot. Picture: Luke Reynolds

1874 won a penalty in the fifth minute and Reed powered home his shot.

Northwich keeper Ellis Allen stood up well to keep out a stinging shot from Callum Boyle.

In the final minute of the half, Ryan Challis equalised with a fine header from a pinpoint corner from Perry Burkinshaw.

Blues started the second half with more intensity and when a poor back pass was easily picked out by Jack Hart he had no trouble striking past Allen.

A powerful Boyle shot from 25 yards out almost brought Winsford a third goal but late on a mix-up in the home box saw another penalty kick awarded and substitute Matt Woolley sealed the draw.

1874: Allen, Buckley, Hough, Marrow, Trialist B, Green, O’Neill, Trialist A, Reed, Irlam, Gardiner. Subs: Ellington, Green, M Woolley, Walker, Foulds, Foulds, Woods, Noble, Aghayere, Trialist C.