November Preview

Wednesday 2nd
Runcorn Town (home)
Cheshire Senior Cup Preliminary Round

If you follow us on Twitter you'll know that, courtesy of the hashtag of the same name, this is chapter two of "Three Cups Week".

The first part has already seen us exit the League Cup at the hands of Widnes. This second part sees us pit our wits against Premier Division high-flyers Runcorn Town in the Cheshire Senior Cup.

It's a competition that always gives us the opportunity to flex our muscles against loftier opposition as our ball is in the same hat as Stockport County, Tranmere Rovers (who we played last season), Altrincham, Crewe Alexandra etc.

We last faced Runcorn Town way back in the 2010-11 season when they were newcomers to the NWCFL and were promoted that very season. They currently sit high-and-handsome in the Premier Division.

Saturday 5th
City of Liverpool (away)
Reusch First Division Trophy

...and onto the final part of the "Three Cups Week".

The draw for the First Division Trophy - now sensibly split into "North" and "South" for the earlier rounds - sees us travel to City of Liverpool for what looks like a tough tie.

Thursday 10th
St Helens Town (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division

Yes, you read that right. Thursday night football.

We meet St Helens again after that incredible 3-3 draw at Park Road back at the start of the season when we scored thrice in stoppage time to complete one of the most unlikely comebacks ever in football.

More drama to come on this autumnal Thursday evening....?

Previous five seasons away to St Helens Town....
2015-16: drew 2-2
2014-15: did not meet
2013-14: did not meet
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: did not meet

Saturday 12th
Ashton Town (home)
Hallmark Security League First Division

...and 48 hours later we welcome Ashton Town to Park Road.

At the time of writing Ashton Town weren't having the best of seasons, sitting bottom of the First Division table.

It may look like a formality on paper but past history means that caution must be exercised.

They have a decent record at Park Road - unbeaten in their last six visits - and have come to SK8 2AN before when down on their luck and gone away with a win; they were rock-bottom in 2008-09 without a win to their name but came away with a 2-1 victory and halted our run of five straight league wins to boot....

Previous five seasons at Park Road....
2015-16: lost 1-2
2014-15: lost 1-2
2013-14: drew 1-1
2012-13: drew 1-1; drew 2-2 (League Cup)
2011-12: drew 2-2

Saturday 19th
AFC Blackpool (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division

Like Runcorn Town, another club we haven't faced for a while.

Also since 2010-11 as they were promoted alongside Runcorn Town, enjoying a decent run in the Premier Division before being relegated at the end of last term.

AFC Blackpool are another team that - at the time of writing - were struggling a bit. That said, it promises to be an intriguing day out at the seaside and a welcome return back to The Mechanics ground.

Saturday 26th
Whitchurch Alport (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division

What a difference a season makes.

Languishing down at the bottom of the table last season, Whitchurch are having a rare one this time around and haven't been out of the top six to date.

It promises to be a different prospect to the 4-1 win we had last time around....

Last five seasons at Yockings Park....
2015-16: won 4-1
2014-15: did not meet
2013-14: did not meet
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: did not meet