1874 NORTHWICH will get the chance to play the twice-delayed 2019-20 Macron Cup Final this summer.

Their clash with Runcorn Town will now be played in pre-season, giving 1874 the opportunity to win the cup for two seasons running.

The game will take place at Runcorn’s Viridor Community Stadium on Saturday, July 24, kick off 3pm.

Having been indefinitely delayed due to the initial onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the final had been rearranged for September 26 last year but was again postponed after the Halton area was placed under Tier 3 Covid restrictions.

Now though, it has been confirmed the trophy will be decided and it will be one of 10 games played prior to 1874’s maiden season in the Northern Premier League, which kicks off on August 14.

Eight of the pre-season games will be played prior to the cup final and as well as preparing his side for the West Division, co-manager Wayne Goodison believes the selection of games will give the Greens the best possible chance of lifting the Macron Cup again.

“We wanted to have as many competitive fixtures as possible to implement the things we will be looking to improve on in our preseason sessions,” he said.

“The aim is to be as ready as we can be for the cup final and then to be fully ready for the new season.

“We think all the games will be competitive and in addition, we are visiting clubs we have really good relationships with.”

1874’s pre-season campaign kicks off on Saturday, July 3 when they travel to Cheadle Town.

Features include a home clash with National League North side AFC Telford United on Tuesday, July 6, and a meeting with landlords Barnton at Townfield on July 27.

1874 Northwich pre-season fixtures:

Sat, July 3 – Cheadle Town (a) 3pm

Tue, July 6 – AFC Telford United (h) 7.45pm

Thu, July 8 – Airbus (a) 7.45pm

Tue, July 13 – Cheadle Heath Nomads (a) 7.45pm

Sat, July 17 – Ashton Athletic (a) 3pm

Tue, July 20 – Alsager Town (a) 7.45pm

Wed, July 21 – Avro (a) 7.45pm

Sat, July 24 – Runcorn Town (a), Macron Cup Final 3pm

Tue, July 27 – Barnton (a) 7.45pm

Sat, July 31 – Salford City XI (TBA) 3pm