1874 Northwich vs Northwich Victoria

Recap

1874 COMPLETE A LEAGUE DOUBLE OVER NEIGHBOURS

1874 NORTHWICH 2 v 1 NORTHWICH VICTORIA
HSL PREMIER DIVISION – MONDAY 9th MAY

Despite playing their SIXTH game in TEN days 1874 managed to send their supporters home with smiles on their faces following this win at the St Lukes Barton Stadium and in doing so 1874 maintained their unbeaten record against the opposition having now won six and drawn one of the six meetings.

As much as players, management and supporters were all looking forward to this game there had to be some concern with the “full on schedule” that has had to be dealt with by the players and the managers, who to be fair have managed the use of all the available playing squad well over the last few very hectic weeks.

With goalkeeper – Greg Hall – serving a one match suspension, Callum Spencer donned the number one shirt and at the end of the ninety minutes he, his managers and supporters could be well pleased with his performance and especially as the visitors took the lead in the 5th minute when 1874’s defence failed to clear the ball and so allowed the alert Whittington to shoot home from 8 yards.

To their credit 1874 quickly responded well and drew level in the 7th minute when Scott McGowan received a good pass from Jake Parker and didn’t need a second chance to fire home. Three minutes later and the same combination nearly gave 1874 the lead but this time McGowan’s effort was just wide.

Although the game had started with two early goals it was also apparent that this wasn’t going to be a tame “end of season affair” and the officials were kept busy throughout.

The next real chance of a goal again fell to the hosts when the always busy Sam Freakes won the ball in midfield and found McGowan in another good area but once again the striker’s effort was just wide of the target as he was put under pressure. HT 1-1

At the resumption Northwich Victoria had a chance to take the lead in the 50th minute but Hassall’s shot was deflected for a corner.
However, the deserved goal for 1874 arrived in the 66th minute when Ryan Jackson linked up well with McGowan to score his eighth goal of the season. As the game continued there was an element of tiredness creeping in by both sets of players and a less lenient official may have resulted in more cautions but 1874 managed to comfortably see out the final thirty minutes without too many worries and whilst a third goal for them would have certainly been appreciated to calm the nerves that goal didn’t arrive mainly due to the visiting keeper Donlon making a couple of good saves and being comfortable with crosses.

1874: Spencer; Connor; Thomas; Pritchard; Mitchell; Freakes: Ryan Jackson; Matt Woolley (Capt); Riley; McGowan & Parker
Northwich Victoria: Donlon; Oppong; McDonald; Kenny; Barski; Allen Weston; Adam Weston; Anthony Shinks (Capt); Hassall; McDonald & Whittington
Referee: Dale Baines – Attendance: 268