Widnes have entered at this stage of the competition in four of their previous five campaigns, but their best record of the first qualifying round came after entering at the preliminary round stage.

They even hold an FA Cup record of the earliest exit ever for any Step 4 side.

Winsford will be looking to emulate Handsworth Parramore, Northwich Victoria, Longridge Town and Glossop North End in dumping Widnes out at the first hurdle, but Whites boss Dave Dempsey is under no illusions ahead of the contest.

In fact, Dempsey knows all too well the dangers of a ‘cupset’ having been on the coaching staff when Widnes were beaten by Longridge in 2020.

The cup tie is the first meeting between the two sides since Widnes’ promotion from the North West Counties League in 2018.

The winners will travel to Hallam or Bury in the preliminary round.

Dave Dempsey said...

“It’s the FA Cup. Anybody can beat anybody," Dempsey said.

"I know Winsford have got a lot of threats. We certainly won't be going there thinking we're the clear favourites because that never stands anyone in good stead.

"Winsford are a good side. They'll have their own game plan and it'll be up to us to eradicate that.

"It'll be a very close game and it's one we're all looking forward to.”

Opposition

Opponents Winsford have lost their opening two games in the North West Counties Premier Division.

Manager Lee Duckworth will be eager for a response after watching his Blues side fall to 3-0 home defeat to Avro in midweek.

Winsford were beaten by Charnock Richard at this stage of the competition, and last progressed to the preliminary round in 2019.

Previous Three Meetings

01/05/18: Winsford United 2-2 Widnes (Macron Cup SF 2nd leg)
16/04/18: Widnes 5-0 Winsford United (Macron Cup SF 1st leg)
11/12/17: Widnes 3-1 Winsford United

Team News

Fisnik Hajdari serves the first of a three match suspension after being sent off at the tail end of last season.

Quintet Jordan Wynne, Luke Sephton, Lucas Schofield, Dylan Glass and Jay Salkeld are all in contention for a competitive debut.

Matchday Information

Today's clash at the Barton Stadium is a 3:00pm kick-off.

Admission is priced at £7 adults, £5 concessions and £1 under-16s.

The ground's postcode is CW7 3AB.

Social media coverage will as always take place on our official channels – Twitter @Widnes_FC and Instagram - @widnesfc