Vauxhall Motors face Witton Albion on Saturday afternoon as their league campaign gets underway at The VanEupen Arena.
The Motormen had a fantastic summer, retaining the services of players who were vital to last season’s promotion such as forwards Lewis Buckley and Michael Burkey.
Mick McGraa’s assistant manager Joe Heath was replaced by the experienced Alan Morgan, as Heath moved on to pastures new in Australia, again another fantastic bit of business by the club.
However, following his side’s last friendly, a home draw against Marine, McGraa stated that, whilst at the club, his performance in the FA Cup had been ‘embarrassing’ as he had failed to win a game in the tournament.
This was carried on as Vauxhall were beaten by West Didsbury And Chorlton last weekend, a late penalty doubling the hosts lead in added time after full-back Ethan Gouldbourne received a straight red.
A new league season provides a new opportunity to impress thus The Motormen will put that defeat to the back of their mind and concentrate on what’s next.
Witton Albion FC Factfile:
Nickname: The Albs/The Albion.
Manager: Jon Macken was appointed in May 2022. The former Manchester City striker, who had previously managed Radcliffe and Colne replaced the long serving Carl Macauley, who was the boss of The Motors before the club’s resignation.
Founded: 1887 by a group of Northwich Victoria players, officials and supporters who were unhappy with the clubs decision to become a professional side.
Ground: U Lock It Stadium/Wincham Park, opened in 1989 and has a capacity of 4813.
Last Campaign: Finished 6th in the Northern Premier League Division One West last season.
Did you know: Liverpudlian comedian John Bishop played for the club during the late 1980s.
Top goalscorer 2022-23: Joe Duckworth with 18 goals.
Honours: Witton were regular FA Trophy semi-finalists between 1990 and 1993. In 1992, they made it to the old Wembley Stadium where they lost to Colchester United.
All support is appreciated, we look forward to seeing you in Ellesmere Port!