1874 Northwich vs Barnoldswick Town

Recap

1874 PROGRESS TO SEMI FINAL STAGE OF THE MACRON CUP

1874 NORTHWICH   3    V    2   BARNOLDSWICK FC

1874 reached the last four of the North West Counties League Challenge Cup last Saturday after beating a strong Barnoldswick team by the odd goal in five – and coincidentally the same score line that 1874 lost by in their league game at Barnoldswick three weeks earlier and like that game this one was certainly very entertaining.

The opening goal came after 12 minutes as Irlam and McGowan combined in midfield before an excellent through ball from McGowan into the path of Koral who was running into space on the right flank and his inch perfect cross into the box found Taylor Kennerley who expertly applied the finishing touch

1874 almost increased their lead when McGowan forced an error by goalkeeper Ryan Livesey that resulted in Sam Hare hitting his shot over the bar

Shortly afterwards in the 19th minute the visitors equalised as their skipper James Crorken shot low into the corner after receiving the ball somewhat fortunately from an 1874 defender’s attempted clearance.

Fortunately for 1874, they responded quickly and regained the lead in the 33rd minute as Irlam fired the ball past Livesey after Meadowcroft had done well to deflected a free-kick into his colleague’s path

Just five minutes later “the goal of the game” arrived – much to the delight of everyone at 1874 when a well rehearsed move ended with McGowan firing home through a packed penalty area.

1874’s keeper – Tony Aghayere –  was called into action early in the second-half when Jack Coop jabbed Crorken’s corner towards goal but the effort was easily saved and in truth the visitors efforts to reduce the arrears were easily dealt with by 1874.

At the opposite end of the field 1874 remained hungry for more goal and Livesey produced an excellent save to deny Kennerley’s shot from close-range after Irlam had provided the opportunity.

After 70 minutes of play the visitors were reduced to ten men as Hill as was dismissed having received two yellow cards – both for clumsy, needless fouls.

His colleague – Zack Dale – always a threat to opposing defenses had been kept reasonably quiet for most of the game but good players always find at least one good opportunity in every game and Dale did just that  when he conjured an opening for himself after wriggling into a shooting space inside 1874 area but Aghayere stretched to deny the goal.
Aghayere was beaten though by Crorken’s curling free-kick, which struck the outside of an upright and then in the 83rd minute Amos did score with a neat finish.

Whilst this goal lifted the visitors somewhat, in truth the 1874 backline ensured that they didn’t get any other chance to score and ran out comfortable winners

1874:   Aghayere (GK), Connor, Meadowcroft, Pritchard, Lee Jackson, Matthew Woolley,            Hare (Gardner 79), Koral, Irlam, Kennerley (Russell 84), McGowan Subs not used Lever, Phipps, Ormrod Goals Kennerley 12, Irlam 33, McGowan 38
Barnoldswick: Livesey (GK), Vincent (Cookson 81), Airey, Wilson, McEneaney, Thomson, Crorken, Hill, Coop (Simpson 81), Morgan (Amos 69), Dale Subs not used Hill, Maplesden Goals Crorken 19, Amos 83 Booked Wilson, Morgan, Hill Sent off Hill
Referee Kristian Silcock      Attendance 189