NORTHWICH Victoria will be back on the pitch sooner than expected. Despite their North West Counties League season being curtailed, Steve Wilkes side will be in action next month having been invited to take part in the Heys Invitational Tournament. From April 17, 16 teams will compete in groups of four at four different locations, with Vics in Group Two alongside Padiham, Chadderton and hosts Prestwich Heys. Group One will be hosted by Squires Gate and also features AFC Blackpool, Charnock Richard and Garstang while Group Three contains Ashton Town, Pilkington, St Helens Town and hosts Longridge Town. The final group – Group Four – is hosted by Bootle, who will face Lower Breck, AFC Liverpool and Litherland REMYCA.