WITH football's resumption after weather wipe-outs, no local sides are busier than Northwich Victoria as they are gearing up for three games in seven days.

A third attempt presents to play their Macron Cup third-round tie at Barnoldswick Town tonight, Thursday, kick-off 8pm, in what is set to be a first outing since January 7 for Steve Wilkes' men.

The sixth-placed North West Counties League Premier Division side then host Prestwich Heys and AFC Liverpool at the U Lock It Stadium on Saturday and Wednesday, respectively.

1874 Northwich, who face an 11th v 10th home date with Bootle at Townfield on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, returned to action in midweek.

Their 2-1 loss at Prescot Cables came on the back of having two matches postponed last Saturday, their Northern Premier League West encounter at Ramsbottom United and then a hastily arranged friendly with Barnton on an artificial pitch in Middlewich.

Greens went ahead 1-0 on Tuesday night courtesy of a seventh-minute Joe Woolley strike but the fact that they went on to lose could be considered down to a stack of missed chances after enjoying a wealth of play on the front foot.

Two first-half efforts hit the woodwork but in the end it was strikes from Harry Cannon-Noren (16mins) and John Murphy (72) against the run of play that sealed the three points for the hosts.

Witton Albion, in the same league, have not played since January 10's loss to Crewe Alexandra in the Cheshire Senior Cup, but are slated to visit Clitheroe – two places higher in seventh – on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

They will go into the contest having this week announced partnering up with F.D Academy, the youth player set-up being rebranded as Witton Albion Academy which aims to provide a pathway through to Jon Macken's first team.

It is run by UEFA qualified coaches who will work to improve and develop local talented players, giving them access to quality coaching and facilities.

Winsford United drew 0-0 at Burscough on Tuesday night and are preparing to host Bury AFC on Saturday, kick-off 2pm, before heading to Ashton Athletic on Tuesday.

Barnton were 2-0 victors at Cammell Laird 1907 in midweek thanks to goals from Lee Turkington and Finley Rorke in NWCFL First Division South.

They are on the road this Saturday against third-placed Brocton and are then scheduled to welcome Ashville to Townfield next Wednesday.