CHRISTMAS is usually a busy time for football but this year, things will be a little different for our teams.

In a change from the norm, there will be no fixtures on Boxing Day for teams from the Northern Premier League downwards.

That means that all of our semi-professional teams – bar 1874 Northwich, whose scheduled trip to Warrington Rylands has been postponed due to Covid – will be in action on Monday, December 27, while only our two NPL sides – 1874 and Witton – will have other games over the festive period.

Witton face two fixtures against Cheshire neighbours over Christmas – they host Warrington Town on December 27 before travelling to Nantwich Town on New Year's Day.

After the Rylands postponement, 1874's next game sees them welcome Runcorn Linnets to Townfield on New Year's Day.

The North West Counties League, which includes Northwich Victoria, Winsford United and Barnton, will not be holding fixtures on New Year's Day, with their first games of 2022 coming on January 8.

December 27 sees Vics travelling to Avro, Winsford visiting Macclesfield and Barnton welcoming Sandbach United to Townfield.

There is also a Cheshire Football League fixture on the Bank Holiday Monday, with neighbours Middlewich Town and Lostock Gralam clashing at Seddon Street.

Local football fixtures over Christmas:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 (kick off 3pm unless stated):

Northern Premier League:

Premier: Witton Albion vs Warrington Town

West: Warrington Rylands vs 1874 Northwich

North West Counties League:

Premier: Avro vs Northwich Victoria, Macclesfield vs Winsford United

First Division South: Barnton vs Sandbach United

Cheshire Football League:

Premier: Middlewich Town vs Lostock Gralam (1pm)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022 (kick off 3pm unless stated):

Northern Premier League:

Premier: Nantwich Town vs Witton Albion

West: 1874 Northwich vs Runcorn Linnets

TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022 (kick off 7.45pm):

Northern Premier League:

Premier: Buxton vs Witton Albion

Cheshire Senior Cup

Second Round: Vauxhall Motors vs 1874 Northwich