NORTHWICH Victoria will travel to higher-ranked opponents when a new edition of the FA Cup starts next month.

They were paired with Widnes, who were promoted to the Northern Premier League at the end of last season, in a draw for the extra preliminary round published on Friday afternoon.

The teams meet on Saturday, August 11, kick-off 3pm.

Widnes ran out 4-0 victors when the teams met most recently back in April, although a side that Steve Wilkes picks for their next clash is likely to bear little resemblance to that one.

Coincidentally his newest recruit, versatile attacker Billy Webb, was with Vics’ FA Cup opponents last season.

Whoever prevails will be on the road at the next stage to either Burscough or 1874 Northwich – both of them from the North West Counties League’s top-flight.

The Football Association has advised a total of 736 clubs have entered this season, with 368 of those in action in the opening round.

Each winning club collects £2,250, an increase of £750 on last term’s reward for a triumph at the same stage.

A new league season is scheduled to start seven days earlier.

Meanwhile Vics must wait to discover their opponents in the FA Vase.

However they do know either Maltby Main, from the Northern Counties East League, or Premier Division rivals Ashton Athletic will be their guests at Wincham Park in September.