1874 Northwich vs Rylands

Recap

1874 END 2019 ON A HIGH

BY GARRY CLARKE

1874 NORTHWICH 2-1 RYLANDS NWCFL PREMIER 28TH DECEMBER 2019

An 88th minute goal by James Ormrod ensured 1874 Northwich ended a memorable 2019 on a high finishing the year nine points clear at the top of the NWCFL Premier Division table.

Although always holding the upper hand, 1874 were made to work hard for their victory by determined and committed opponents who frustrated their hosts.

Playing down the Townfield slope 1874 started the brighter with Taylor Kennerley drawing a fine save from former 1874 goalkeeper Callum Spencer in the opening minutes, whilst at the other end Mike Koral came to 1874’s rescue with a well timed strong challenge to prevent Liam O’Neill from shooting.

1874 broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. After a strong run into the heart of the Rylands defence Lee Knight saw his initial shot blocked, however he made no mistake with his follow up effort smashing the ball past Spencer.

1874 had several chances to add to their tally before half time. Koral shot into the side netting, Lee Jackson headed just wide from a corner and Spencer was forced into a good save by Mark Jones.

Rylands ended the first half on top, 1874 goalkeeper Tony Aghayere did well to save from O’Neill but could not prevent Kane Drummond from levelling the scores with a well taken goal on the stroke of half time.

Rylands captain Ste Wolhuter rattled the frame of 1874’s goal with a powerful drive from the edge of the area in the 50th minute.

Callum Gardner twice went close with shots from distance, the first was saved by Spencer and the second whistled past the post before Gardner delivered the corner in the 88th minute which provided the game’s decisive moment. Ormrod rose highest at the far post to power his header past Spencer to restore 1874’s lead and clinch the three points.

1874 – Aghayere, Koral. Russell, Jackson, Jones, Parker (Tinning), Knight, Woolley (Ormrod), McGowan, Hare, Kennerley (Gardner). Subs not used Hind. Okome.

RYLANDS – Spencer, Gerrard, Parry Lees, Coyne, Wynne, Drummond, Wolhuter, O’Neill (O’Halleran), McNamara (Molyneux), Scarisbrick.

GOALS – 1874 Knight 24, Ormrod 88 Rylands Drummond 45

ATTENDANCE 348 REFEREE B Lamb

Man of the match selected by ball sponsor GARRY CLARKE – Mark Jones