BLUES FACE CUP TEST (From Warrington Guardian)

BLUES FACE CUP TEST

WINSFORD United will have to cast a difficult period aside if they are to retain the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup at Northwich Victoria tomorrow night (Thursday).

The Blues go into the game on the back of Saturday's 3-1 reverse at Frickley and a disappointing draw with Accrington Stanley, who snatched a point with two goals in the last two minutes last Tuesday.

Manager Mark Came expects some of his selection headaches to soothe with the return of goalkeeper John Bagnall and defender David German.

Striker Alan Hockenhull remains an injury doubt, however, and faces a fitness test before the match.

Came, who lifted the trophy as Blues captain a year ago, is one of only four members of the current Barton Stadium staff who were involved in last season's win over Vics.

But the manager feels they will have to work a lot harder against their Conference neighbours this year to give him a unique double triumph .

He said: "There's no doubt we had a stronger team last year and Vics are doing well this time.

"There's no pressure on us and it's always a good experience to go to somewhere like Northwich, where some players haven't been before. On the day we should be able to raise our game and give it our best shot."

The final is at the Drill Field, kick-off 7.30pm.

A more pressing concern for Came is preparing for his first full season as manager and he is getting a good idea of what is required for success.

He added: "I've seen enough of this league to see that if you're well organised and strong you have a chance.

"We have a few foundations in place and our pre-season preparations have already started. The rest of this season was enforced on me in a bit of a rush, but I'm still enjoying it and we haven't slipped down the league too much."

Winsford complete their UniBond Premier campaign with two home games, Stalybridge Celtic this Saturday and Worksop Town the week after (both 3pm).

DAVE Twite, who has also started gathering ranks for next season, takes his Middlewich Town side to Bollington tonight (Wednesday) and Warrington Borough on Saturday.

The manager now feels he has many of his squad for next season in place, and Saturday's 2-0 win at Cheadle Heath convinced him further.

Twite said: "A performance like that makes it all worthwhile. We are building for next season and players are playing for their future at this club and it's showing in the performances."

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