Northwich Vics, Winsford United, Barnton kick-off new season

Northwich Victoria, Winsford United and Barnton will all put their pre-season preparations to the test in home matches, while Witton Albion and 1874 Northwich have a little longer to wait.

In the Midland League Premier Division, Vics will play host to Romulus at The Apec Taxis Stadium in Runcorn, while Blues will entertain Dudley Town at Barton Stadium.

The Villagers will welcome Stafford Town as their guests at Townfield in the North West Counties Football League First Division.

All three fixtures are scheduled as 3pm kick-offs and all three sides will go into their games on the back of announcing signings over the past week.

Vics have brought in former 1874 Northwich and Witton Albion defender Lee Jackson to cover the full range of defensive positions.

Wing-back Ryan Jackson, who has had spells with 1874, Winsford and Barnton, has returned to the club where he spent 14 months across 2022 and 2023.

Vics completed their pre-season games with a 3-1 defeat at higher-league Witton on Saturday, with all goals conceded coming from set-pieces.

Coach Ross Speight said afterwards that Vics need to be more ruthless in both boxes when the big kick-off arrives.

"We’ve got to make sure we’re flying out of the traps and we’re getting a good performance and more importantly a win," he said.

"If we could just tighten up a couple of bits, we’re not far off."

Elliot Rokka returned to his old hunting ground at Witton, this time wearing Northwich Victoria colours (Image: Dennis Wareing)

Meanwhile, Winsford United have captured combative midfielder Dan Brown, who is also adept at right-back, from Madeley White Star in Crewe.

Eighteen-year-old forward Danny Guiver is also on board from Alsager Town, as is no-nonsense defender Zach Gatward from Bollington United.

Defence has further been bolstered by the recruitment of Henry Briscoe from Chester FC.

Winsford have suffered two late blows as well, losing the services of Kal Boyle to Abbey Hulton United as well as Blake Robinson to 1874 Northwich.

Blues were 2-0 winners at Rhyl in their last pre-season friendly.

Winsford United's 2-0 win at Rhyl in their last pre-season friendly (Image: g.mooresportsnaturephotography)

Winsford United's 2-0 win at Rhyl in their last pre-season friendly (Image: g.mooresportsnaturephotography)

Winsford United's 2-0 win at Rhyl in their last pre-season friendly (Image: g.mooresportsnaturephotography)

Elsewhere, Witton Albion have signed James Hooper again and he was on the mark along with Freddie Garbutt twice in Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over Wigan Athletic under 21s.

Freddie Garbutt overhead goal for Witton Albion against Wigan Athletic under 21s (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

Freddie Garbutt celebrates his overhead goal for Witton Albion against Wigan Athletic under 21s. Watch Karl Brooks' video of the goal below. (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

Witton Albion against Wigan Athletic under 21s (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

Witton Albion against Wigan Athletic under 21s (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

Theirs and 1874 Northwich’s Northern Premier League West campaigns will start on Tuesday, August 11.

1874 were 4-1 winners at Whitchurch Alport in their latest friendly on Tuesday.

They complete their pre-season programme away to Garforth Town on Saturday.