VICS WON'T PLAY FINAL

NORTHWICH Victoria will not play in the final of the Mid Cheshire Senior Cup after conceding the tie to Alsager Town.

Organisers Mid Cheshire FA had scheduled the match for tomorrow night, Thursday, but Vics made the decision not to fulfil the fixture after Saturday's semi final victory over neighbours Witton Albion.

Manager Steve Burr said he is disappointed, but revealed there were just too many difficulties finding a suitable date.

He said: "We want to play in finals and put trophies in the boardroom.

"The club wants to win silverware, but cup finals should be played at the end of the season, not the beginning of the next one."

It is understood Vics offered to play the match later in the campaign, but bosses at Mid Cheshire FA refused.

Meanwhile Burr admitted he was mystified as to the poor attendance against Witton - the first visit by the Wincham Park club to the Victoria Stadium.

He said: "It was strange to see so few people there for a derby because I know there exists a fierce rivalry between the two clubs.

"From our point of view we have had a couple of friendlies here already so people possibly are choosing which matches they come to see."

Burr revealed he had had a wager with general manager Dave Thomas over how many would turn up.

"Needless to say I won," he added.

Burr's men may still get a chance to welcome Alsager to the Victoria Stadium after they were paired with the Crewe outfit in the first round of the Cheshire FA UniBond Senior Cup.

But Alsager must first overcome Runcorn Linnets in a preliminary round tie, with the winner playing Northwich week commencing September 11.

Vics were due to host last year's Conference National champions Accrington Stanley last night, Tuesday.

Log on to www.northwichguardian.co.uk/vics for a match report.

THE Vics players are looking forward to their charity cricket challenge on Sunday.

Manager Steve Burr will join members of his first team squad at the crease for a match against a Northwich CC XI at their Moss Farm home.

Simon James, from Northwich CC, said: "This is a great chance for both teams to promote what they do in the town."

The match starts at 2pm, with each side bowling 40 overs.