1874 Northwich vs AFC Blackpool

Recap

1874 NORTHWICH 3-0 AFC BLACKPOOL NWCFL PREMIER 30TH APRIL 2016

After a run of three games without a win, 1874 Northwich returned to winning ways convincingly beating AFC Blackpool 3-0 at the Barton Stadium to secure a 4th place finish in the NWCFL Premier Division table.

Man of the match Mike Brandon was brought down on the edge of the seasiders’ area in the opening minutes, his subsequent free kick was half blocked by the defensive wall, and as Blackpool cleared their lines Ryan Jackson went down in the area but referee Daniel Hitchell waved play on dismissing appeals for a penalty.

1874 continued to dominate the opening exchanges with Tyler Edwards twice narrowly missing the target with well struck shots and Jackson headed over from a corner. In the 15th minute Edwards took the ball off Blackpool keeper Adam Caunce, he pulled the ball back to Brandon who, with defenders scrambling to protect their goal, fired over from eight yards.

Two minutes later Edwards sent Brandon clear down the left wing, Brandon’s first cross was blocked at the near post, his second found Jackson unmarked at the far post, the 1874 youngster’s volley gave Caunce no chance of preventing 1874 taking the lead.

Relegation haunted Blackpool never gave up. Jack William shot against the post from a tight angle after bursting through 1874’s defence and being forced wide by Greg Hall. 1874’s custodian produced a stunning flying save to tip a 41st minute Aaron Fleming angled drive around the post.

1874 doubled their advantage in the 45th minute. Running onto an inch perfect pass played inside the Blackpool left by Danny Thomas, Stuart Wellstead hammered the ball past Caunce.

Moments later Wellstead fired in a free kick which Caunce fumbled but did well to recover at the feet of onrushing 1874 players sensing another possible goal.

Brandon scored his side’s third goal four minutes into the second half. Twelve yards out he received the ball with his back to goal he turned and shot in one motion sending the ball past the despairing dive of Caunce.

George Riley, Jack Woolley and Corey Mason all went close to adding to 1874’s tally but were just off target, while Caunce saved well to deny Brandon from another shot on the turn.

Bottom of the table AFC Blackpool , who finished the game with ten men due to injuries, were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute , however their hopes of a late consolation goal were dashed by Hall who brilliantly saved Charlie Water’s spot kick.

1874 – Hall, Connor, James, Mitchell, Thomas, Riley, Jackson (J Woolley ht), M Woolley, Brandon, Edwards, Wellstead (Mason 74 mins). Subs not used Beadle, Farnworth.

BLACKPOOL – Caunce, Richardson, Betteridge, Carroll, Ford, Taylor, Waters, Wilkes (Trushell 57 mins), Williams, Muscroft, Fleming.

GOALS – Jackson 17, Wellstead 45, Brandon 49

REFEREE – Daniel Hitchell ATTENDANCE 216

MAN OF THE MATCH SELECTED BY MATCH SPONSORS THE ASHLEY FAMILY – Mike Brandon