NORTHWICH Victoria and Winsford United now have a clear vision for the start of their 2026/27 season, with opening fixtures confirmed.
The two Midland League Premier Division clubs’ first two fixtures have been confirmed, while opening ties in the FA Cup and FA Vase have been drawn.
Vics will start their league campaign at home to Romulus at the Apec Taxis Stadiu in Runcorn on Saturday, August 1, and then travel to Whitchurch Alport the following Tuesday.
Blues will also be at home on August 4 as they commence the new term against Dudley Town and three days later will visit Cheadle Town.
In the FA Cup extra preliminary round, Vics have been handed a trip to Beverley Town on Saturday, August 8, kick-off 3pm, while Winsford United will entertain Mickleover on the same day and time.
If Vics progress, they will be at home to Bootle in the next round on the weekend of Saturday, August 22.
Barwell are waiting to host the victors of Winsford’s tie.
Vics will also be on the road in the first round qualifying of the FA Vase, being paired with New Mills FC on Saturday, August 15, kick-off 3pm.
The winners of that tie will head to Winterton Rangers or Darwen in the next round on Saturday, September 12.
Vics officials have pointed out that the dates of their knockout fixtures are provisional at the moment due to their groundshare with Runcorn Linnets.
Meanwhile, 1874 Northwich have been drawn at home to Rossington Main from Doncaster in their FA Cup extra preliminary round tie to be played at Townfield on Saturday, August 8, kick-off 3pm.
A clash with either Golcar or Horbury at home awaits the winners in the preliminary round on Saturday, August 22.
And in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy, 1874 face the long haul to Blyth Spartans on Saturday, August 29, kick-off 3pm.
Witton Albion will also be going a long way north as they have been drawn away to Morpeth Town in the FA Trophy first round qualifying on August 29.
In their opening FA Vase contest, Barton will go to Irlam on Saturday, August 15.
Friendly fixtures have been continuing for the Mid Cheshire sides as preparations for the new season are ramped up.
Vics followed up an 8-0 win at Old Altrinchamians on Saturday with a 3-0 success at Abbey Hey on Tuesday night.
A triallist, now confirmed as new signing and former Winsford United hitman Matty Birchall, scored four of the goals on Saturday, while Kieran Hamm was on target in both games.
New recruit Elliott Rokka struck the other two goals at Abbey Hey.
1874 Northwich, who have confirmed the signing of former Witton Albion, Hanley Town, Wythenshawe and Barnton player Will Igoe, played two matches in St Helens on Saturday with 17 triallists in the starting line-ups.
Greens, with 10 triallists in their starting side, won 4-3 at St Helens Town while at the same time a second 1874 team, with seven triallists, lost 3-0 at St Helens Town.
Rory Fallon’s team followed that up by coming back from 2-0 down at half-time to draw 2-2 at Bala Town on Tuesday night, with five triallists on show.
Winsford United drew 0-0 at home to Leek Town in Saturday’s friendly at Barton Stadium, while Witton Albion were 2-1 victors in their opening pre-season friendly at Barnton at the weekend.
Ben Harrison’s men take it up a notch when they host their first home pre-season friendly against EFL side Crewe Alexandra on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.
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