Squires Gate vs 1874 Northwich

Recap

NWCFL Premier Division – Saturday 12 March 2016

1874 fell to their eighth loss of the season as a spirited Squires Gate side came from a goal down to win the game in injury time and give themselves some breathing space from the bottom three. 1874 dropped to fifth, albeit with three games in hand on now fourth placed West Didsbury.

The game opened as expected, fast paced with both sides going for it and it was 1874 who edged the opening exchanges. Ryan Jackson was a threat, putting a great cross in to the box but the keeper made a good catch before it could reach Matt Beadle at the back post.

The game fell into a midfield battle with both teams pressing for the first goal. In the 25th minute, Greg Hall rushed out to collect a through ball and caught it just outside his box. After consulting his Assistant, the Referee decided it was not a goal scoring opportunity and awarded a free kick to Squires Gate and a yellow card to Hall.

A brilliant save followed from the Squires Gate keeper, acrobatically tipping over Mike Brandon’s left footed drive from the edge of the area, the resulting corner was volleyed wide by Ryan Mitchell as he met the cross on the penalty spot.

It was Greg Hall’s turn to make a great save on the 40 minute mark, Mark Buchan was one on one but Hall made himself big and pulled off an incredible save which earned the applause from all spectators.

There was another great opportunity for the Greens to take the lead on the 50th minute, as a cross from the left by Jackson found Brandon, who just couldn’t adjust his feet and put the ball in the net.

But only a minute later, 1874 had their lead, another Jackson cross was headed out but only as far as Matt Beadle who volleyed the ball hard and low which went underneath the keeper and gave 1874 a 1-0 advantage.

1874 pressed and looked for another goal however it was Squires Gate who would have the next say on the game, through Mark Buchan on the 67th minute. A cross from the right was not cleared and it found its way to the Gate forward who fired low past hall to bring the hosts level.

The game then resorted back to a midfield scrap, with both sides not finding any clear chances on goal. As the game looked to be heading for a draw, it was the home side who took all 3 points, in the 91st minute, as Ryan Tanser found himself on the end of a through ball by Buchan and slotted in to the bottom right corner of Hall’s goal to give the hosts a massive goal in their quest for survival.

1874 – Hall (GK), Connor, Farnworth, Mitchell, Lomas, M.Woolley (C), Riley, J.Woolley (Wellstead 58), Brandon, Jackson, Beadle.

ATT – 210