1874 Northwich vs Widnes

Recap

1874 Northwich 0-3 Widnes
By Jack Owen

It was a familiar feeling for 1874 at Townfield who succumbed to a sixth home defeat of the season.

Widnes arrived at Townfield in contrasting form to ‘74 and the opening exchanges of the game were dominated by the in form Greens.

Jake Parker had the only meaningful shot for ‘74, which was blocked bravely by Widnes captain Mike Burke.

Northwich kept the ball moving, but with Widnes holding firm and fighting for every ball, their defensive solidity was rewarded.

A freekick looped to the back post wasn’t dealt with by anyone in Green and James McCulloch stabbed home past Aghayere to give the visitors a smash and grab lead.

The second arrived moments later, after a controversial penalty decision which didn’t go down well with the home support, and Alex McMillan struck a penalty in to the bottom left corner with Aghayere only managing to get a finger tip to it to push it in to the side netting.

‘74 now had it all to do.

The rest of the first half was uneventful, with ‘74 trying their best to find a route back in to the game while Widnes stood firm and were fighting for every single ball.

Ash Woods was dismissed for the home side in the second half for two quick yellow cards which was the turning point for the rest of the game.

The game became dull and a poor watch in the freezing temperatures, with neither side creating much to shout about with the majority of the game being contested in the middle.

The final goal of the game came through John McGrath who latched on to a huge long ball down field to round Aghayere and tap in to an open net to put a hugely flattering scoreline on what was a scrappy and somewhat even game.

A lot to ponder for ‘74 now who fail to impress again on home turf, whilst for Widnes it was a vital win, their first in 6 attempts, which moves them out of danger.

‘74 remain in 13th place.

Widnes – Wheeler, Hatton, Rigby, Hajdari (Leigh), Burke, McCulloch, Williams, Barrow, McMillan (Sambor), McGrath, Jennings (McCaragher).
Subs not used: McQuade.

Goals:
1874 –
Widnes – McCulloch 27, McMillan 29, McGrath 71.