1874 Northwich vs Widnes

Recap

1874 Northwich 2-0 Widnes FC

1874 got back to winning ways this weekend, with a comfortable 2-0 victory over bottom of the table Widnes FC. It was an almost perfect result for the side, who celebrated 10 years since their formation this week. Northwich now sit in 6th place, just one point outside of the playoff spots.

From the off, 1874 looked determined to put to bed a disappointing winless run of four games. The home side flew out the blocks when straight from kick off, Joe Woolley dribbled directly past the startled Widnes midfield and played Jamal Crawford in down the right-hand side. His cross bounced back to Woolley, yet his effort from just outside the box was easily gathered.

1874 boss Wayne Goodison couldn’t have wished for a better start from his side, as they took the lead in the second minute. Tricky winger Mackenzie O’Neill received the ball in the left channel, cut inside and clipped the ball into the path of Joe Woolley, who brought the ball down and smashed it home with his left foot.

The Greens continued to attack with purpose after the opener and they were rewarded for their dominant spell in the 33rd minute. Josh Quarless displayed brilliant link up play, turning and slotting in O’Neill who had made a bursting run in behind the Widnes backline. The number 11 picked up his second assist as he worked the space to cut inside and laid the ball off to MOTM right back Jack Marrow, who slotted the ball home first time with his left foot into the bottom right, giving the hosts a two goal advantage. 

In the 37th minute, 1874 had multiple chances to extend their lead to 3-0 before the break. A header from Quarless was brilliantly saved and the rebound fell to O’Neill however, his shot was bravely smothered by the Widnes number 1.

The away side showed no attacking prowess in the first half and they deservedly went into the break 2-0 down. Their first attempt of the game was a longshot in the 48th minute, which flew straight over the bar. Despite sustained pressure from Widnes, they were unable to create many clear-cut chances and the Greens were in complete control of the tie.

The first 20 minutes of the second half saw minimal action, however a frantic five minute period saw a vital goal line block by Liam Buckley in the 68th minute and an extremely controversial straight red card given to Mark Jones in the 72nd . The 1874 defender slid in and won the ball following a heavy touch, the home fans were rightfully outraged at the referee’s decision.

1874 ended the game with 9 men, as Jack Irlam picked up his second yellow card for a late challenge in the 87th minute. 

However, despite the game threatening to spiral out of control, Goodison was pleased with how the team reacted and praised the boys for a much-needed win.

The Greens make the long trip up to Cumbria next week where they will potentially be without Jones (unless an appeal is successful) and Irlam, where they face high-flying Workington.