WITTON Albion will have to wring every drop of glory out of tonight's UniBond Cheshire Senior Cup final at Altrincham.
The grand old competition is hardly over-flowing with cup fever.
Witton and Woodley Sports seem destined to set a new record low gate for the final, which clashes with Chelsea and Arsenal in the Champions League live on television.
And though Witton are too polite to say it, Woodley Sports are hardly a big draw. Cheshire FA-imposed prices have hit the already meagre support Woodley might have expected.
What's more, Witton are expected to win. Even though Woodley are top of the North West Counties League and very much the form team, they are underdogs to Witton, who are seeking their 11th success in the cup.
Albion boss John Davison said: 'They beat Stalybridge, who knocked out North-wich Vics, and they also beat Vauxhall Motors.
'They were good wins against UniBond Premier Division outfits. They'll fancy themselves to beat us and without doubt they are a useful side.
'But we want this cup. It is a competition still well worth winning. With a high placing in the league, it would make a good season for us.'
Davison is demanding an immediate improvement after a shambolic 3-0 defeat at Prescot Cables, but whether he will alter the line-up is doubtful.
That will mean a place on the bench for John Stannard, whose extra-time goals as a sub won the cup in 1996 for Witton against Hyde United, also at Moss Lane. Since then, Albion have been relegated and gone to the edge of bankruptcy, while Stannard has been on a circuitous route via Northwich Vics, Knowsley and Droylsden back to Albion.
He could make the starting line-up as a replacement for Darrell Dicken, who limped out of the action at Prescot and may not be fully fit.
Although Witton are in the home dressing room, they have, as a goodwill gesture to mark Woodley's first final appearance, agreed to play in their change colours of yellow shirts. Woodley will play in red and black stripes.
That might not be a bad omen. Albion used their change strip against Hyde and the previous year when they beat Altrincham 1-0 at the Drill Field.
Kick-off is 7.45pm and extra time and penalties will be staged if necessary. The prices which have annoyed Woodley are £7 (£4.50 concessions) ground and £8 (£5.50) stand.
Witton aim to parade the cup at Wincham Park on Saturday when they have a quick chance to avenge the defeat at Prescot.
Simon Burton, sold by Albion to Rossendale for £1,000 in September, has been released and is to sign for Witton again.
If the strikers fail against Woodley, he might be in line for a quick recall.
