NEW striker Gregg Blundell will get the ultimate test of his Conference credentials this Saturday.

The top scorer in UniBond Division One is set to make his Northwich Vics debut at second placed Rushden & Diamonds after finally completing his move from Vauxhall on Monday.

Manager Keith Alexander is hoping Blundell can adapt to the two division leap as well as Matlock Town did against his team in the FA Umbro Trophy on Saturday.

Their 2-0 win knocked Vics out of the competition at the first stage for the second year running, hardly ideal preparation for the trip to the Conference's richest club.

A supporters' coach bound for Rushden will leave the Drill Field on Saturday morning at 11.15am. There are still places left, costing £12 for adults, £10 concessions.

As Blundell signs in, long serving winger Darren Vicary goes the other way, his contract being terminated on Thursday, as will Neil Ellis' this Thursday.

On Tuesday, Vics will hope to finally complete their Nationwide Variety Club Trophy first round tie with Leigh RMI.

They have been waiting three months for a replay, but last night's scheduled meeting at Hilton Park was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

NORTHWICH Vics shareholders have their Annual General Meeting on Thursday.

Following this, an announcement will be made on the latest with the Drill Field sale and new stadium site at Wincham.

Chairman Rod Stitch said: "No announcement will be made until the shareholders have seen the plans and had a chance to debate them."

BRIAN Pritchard says he is "hopeful" of making Witton Albion's trip to Ossett Town in UniBond Division One this Saturday (3pm).

The centre half pulled a hamstring in the 1-1 draw with Workington, a result which leaves Nigel Gleghorn's men sixth in the table.

Their UniBond League Cup home match with Marine, which should take them through to the next stage if they win, was postponed due to the frost last night (Tuesday).

This Tuesday, there is another league fixture in store for Witton at Radcliffe Borough (7.30pm).