Why should I watch..?
To see if Witton can end a wait of more than two decades to reach the FA Cup first round.
Only once since 1995, when they were eliminated by Barrow seven years ago, have they got this close to making it there.
Albion have home advantage for the visit of Solihull Moors, a higher-ranked opponent who currently occupy fifth position in the National League, and that could be crucial.
Carl Macauley’s men have been difficult to beat at Wincham Park, and a defeat against Mickleover Sports last time out was a first in front of their own supporters this season.
Solihull travel to Northwich in fine form after winning five of their past six matches, including a 2-1 victory at home to Ebbsfleet last weekend.
They are also seeking an appearance in the first round for a third successive season.
What they’ve said
“These games don’t come around often for clubs at our level, and for some of our lads it will be the biggest game they’ve played in.
“So far, they’ve handled this sort of occasion superbly
“We expect a tough game, probably harder than the previous two against National League North opposition, and that’s why we were glad to be drawn at home.
“That helps us; the lads will be confident, and they can play without any pressure on their shoulders.”
Gary Martindale, Witton Albion manager
Numbers game
A total of almost 60 places separates the sides, with Albion operating two levels below their guests tomorrow.
Witton have bridged a gap that size previously under Carl Macauley when they eliminated Boston United from the FA Trophy in 2016
Witton team news
Midfielder Billy Smart serves a one-match suspension as punishment for being cautioned in two of Witton’s previous three games in this season’s edition.
New recruit Gareth Arnison is unavailable, while Tom Owens (hand) and Nick Ryan (leg) are injury absentees.
However Albion are hopeful that a period of rest for full-back Matty Devine (thigh) and midfielder Cesaire (hamstring) will enable both them to take part.
It’s an important afternoon for…
River Humphreys
Witton are about to take on a side that plays in a similar way to them, with front man Danny Wright a figurehead at the point of Solihull Moors’ attack.
A former National League title-winner with Cheltenham Town and a veteran of more than 300 matches in non-league football’s top-flight, it will be crucial for Albion’s defence to prevent him bringing in support from either side of him and also from runners arriving from midfield.
Form (past six in all competitions)
Witton L L W D L D
Solihull W L W W W W
Route to this round
Witton 3QR bt FC United (a) 2-1; 2QR bt Spennymoor (h) 2-1; 1QR bt Bottesford (h) 5-0
Solihull Exempt
Last season in FA Cup
Witton First Qualifying Round
Solihull First Round
Odds (William Hill)
Witton 4/1
Draw 14/5
Solihull 4/7
Essential information
When Saturday, October 20
Kick-off 3pm
Address Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DA
Admission Adults £10, Concessions £7, Under 21s £5, Under 16s £2
Replay date Tuesday, October 23 (ko 7.45pm)
Prize money £25,000
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