1874 Northwich vs Stocksbridge Park Steels

Recap

By Ben Carney

 

The feel-good factor around 1874 Northwich continued as they produced a professional performance, beating higher opposition to advance into the next round of the FA Cup.

The Green Army turned out in full force, with 300 in attendance. There was a buzz about Townfield and a genuine belief that a cup upset could be achieved. However, in the 10th minute, ’74’s resolve would be tested when the visitors were gifted the opener as Mike Shorthouse’s attempted clearance cannoned off Jack Haslam, who was rewarded for his gamble.

‘74 responded well and were level just four minutes later. Jack McKean pick-pocketed the Stocksbridge defender, who then fouled him, leading to a penalty. Up stepped the reliable Scott McGowan, slotting it superbly into the corner. Unstoppable, unsavable—was there ever any doubt?

Shortly after finding the equaliser, the hosts were dealt an injury blow. Tom Morris was forced off and replaced by Ash Wardle, causing ‘74 to reshuffle. Mark Jones, showcasing his versatility, was now deployed as a centre-back.

Despite the reshuffle, 1874 Northwich wrestled the initiative and looked the most likely to grab the lead. Liam Fitzpatrick was a constant threat—the throw-in routine proved effective again, with Fitzpatrick meeting a flick-on and narrowly glancing it over. Minutes later, the goal that ‘74 craved came through the endeavour of Fitzpatrick, who showed great desire to keep getting into goal-scoring positions. The ball bundled his way, and he made no mistake, lashing it home.

Just before the interval, Shorthouse demonstrated his importance by denying a certain goal.

‘74 began the second half with the same impetus that was on show for much of the first. Fenton climbed highest and had his header cleared off the line; a third seemed inevitable. Shortly after that chance, the third arrived. McGowan was the architect, swarming all over the Stocksbridge defender, and Joel Jones did the rest, finishing emphatically.

A quick free-kick routine caught out the ‘74 back line, who were caught sleeping. Could Stocksbridge be on the comeback trail?

There was a real momentum shift now, and the opposition was pressing for an equaliser. It looked set to be a nervy end to the game. As the game reached its climax, a real heart-in-mouth moment occurred. A shot fizzed across the ‘74 box, but it couldn’t be turned home. The last action of the game saw another chance for the visitors. The Stocksbridge striker raced in behind and saw his effort saved. Shorthouse did excellently to hold, taking the pressure off his team.

For the Green Army, that victory is a real coup. They showcased different ways to win: in the first half, playing with freedom and flair, and in the second, defending doggedly, with resilience and resoluteness. A sign of a good team.