Match Preview: Witton Albion vs Bootle FC
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
By Brendan Doyle Bootle travel to The U Lock It Stadium to take on Witton Albion after winning our first two opening games of the season, gaffer Alan Morgan and the lads will be targeting a third win in three games tonight which will not be an easy task.
As mentioned, The Bucks have won the first two league fixtures of the season, firstly a 2-0 win away to Runcorn Linnets in which the lads were performed immensely to earn their victory, a performance in which was described by some long time Bootle fans as one of the best away performances they’ve seen. Although on the weekend Bootle had a bit of a higher ladder to climb as they found themselves 2-1 down in the first half at home to Newcastle Town to claw their way back to a 4-2 victory, the gaffer Alan Morgan described the performance as not great but he was happy with the victory nonetheless, but against Witton Albion he will be hoping for three points with a convincing performance.
Witton Albion kicked off their 2026/27 campaign with a 2-0 away win at Chadderton in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup, but sadly for The Albs it was followed up by a 3-2 home defeat to Stalybridge Celtic thanks to a late winner from Benni Smales-Braithwaite. Although on the weekend, Witton Albion managed to get back to winning ways as they faced league new boys Lichfield City and come away from the midlands with a 6-1 victory, manager Ben Harrison will be hoping to take that momentum into their third league game against their visitors Bootle.
Today's Opposition
Early years (1887–1919): The club was formed in the late Victorian era and competed in local leagues. They originally played at several grounds before settling at their long-term home, Central Ground, in 1910.
Interwar and post-war football: After World War I, Witton played in the Cheshire League, where they gained a reputation as a strong non-league side. They won the Cheshire League championship on several occasions.
Move to national non-league football: In 1979, Witton joined the newly formed Northern Premier League (NPL). They established themselves as a competitive side and achieved notable success in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Glory years (1980s–1990s):
* Won the Northern Premier League title in 1991.
* Reached the Football Conference (now National League) in 1991–92, finishing as runners-up in their first season.
* Reached the FA Trophy final in 1992, but lost 3–1 to Colchester United at Wembley.
Recent years: Financial struggles and relegations followed, and in 1989 the club left their historic Central Ground (which was sold for development) and moved to the new Wincham Park, where they still play today. Witton have since played mainly in the Northern Premier League divisions, occasionally challenging for promotion.
Rivalries: Their biggest rivals are Northwich Victoria, also based in Northwich, with matches between the two known as the Northwich derby.
Form Guide:
Bury 4 Witton Albion 1, April 18th 2026
Witton Albion 2 Sporting Khalsa 1, April 25th 2026
Chadderton 0 Witton Albion 2, August 8th 2026
Witton Albion 2 Stalybridge Celtic 3, August 11th 2026
Lichfield City 1 Witton Albion 6, August 15th 2026
The Manager:
Ben Harrison was appointed caretaker manager in October 2024 but has since took on the role officially. Harrison made over 300 appearances for Witton Albion as a player in defence during three spells. He also spent his football career with Barnton, Lostock Gralam and Mid-Cheshire College. Three spells at Nantwich making 169 appearances and 54 matches for Altrincham along with briefly at AFC Telford, Trafford and Winsford United are also on his football cv. Hung up his boots for a few months in April 2024 but took to the field once more for Witton Albion in early December of the same year.
Key Player:
Goalkeeper Cameron Terry rejoined Witton Albion in July 2025, Terry was part of the club’s development squad for a brief time in 2018. He has also played for Clitheroe, Nantwich Town and Widnes.
Last Five Seasons:
2025/26 Northern Premier League Premier Division
2024/25 Northern Premier League Division One West
2023/24 Northern Premier League Division One West
2022/23 Northern Premier League Division One West
2021/22 Northern Premier League Premier Division
Club Fact File -
Founded: 1887
Nickname: The Albs
Ground: Wincham Park (U Lock It Stadium for sponsorship purposes)
Capacity: 4,813
Recent Honours:
Northern Premier League Division One North Play Off Winners 2011/12
Non League To Pro:
Geoff Horsfield, Nicky Maynard, Alex Titchiner, Mike Whitlow, Peter Mellor, Chris Nicholl, Samuel Challinor
