Maine Road vs 1874 Northwich

Recap

1874 slipped to their 7th league defeat of the season with a below par performance against a youthful Maine Road side.

The game began at a good pace, with both sides trying to secure the midfield area and the home side took an early lead when, after just five minutes, Connor Hughes fired home after the 1874 defence failed to clear the danger.

But just five minutes later and the scores were level as 1874’s leading scorer Matt Beadle, had time to bring a Ben Brooks header down and volley the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the Maine Road net from 20 yards. However, on the quarter hour mark, Maine Road recaptured the lead and once again mistakes in the 1874 defence helped Hughes to score, but he did so only after Greg Hall had made two good saves, only to once again see that his defence failed to clear the danger.

Shortly afterwards, the 1874 fans and players thought that good work by Beadle had won his side a penalty but the referee thought otherwise and waived play on.

Another lapse in concentration by 1874’s defence nearly resulted in hat-trick for Hughes but his effort from 15 yards went over the bar.

On the stroke of half time, Ryan Jackson, cut inside from the left wing and delivered a great ball into Mike Brandon, but as he was about to shoot he was fouled and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Beadle stepped up, but his spot kick was weak and easily saved. This was the third penalty missed by 1874 in two seasons at this venue.

HALF TIME: Maine Road 2-1 1874 Northwich.

The Greens started the second half well and were level on the 49th minute, as Matt Beadle latched on to an over the top ball from Jackson to chip the on rushing Livesey from 20 yards – a great finish that brought the 74 back in to the contest.

Indeed for the next 20 minutes or so, 1874 enjoyed their best period of the game but a goal wasn’t forthcoming.

Then in the final 15 minutes Maine Road took control of the game once again and in the 80th minute Hughes was allowed time and space to advance on the 1874 goal with no real resistance but his shot was saved well by Hall but Tyler Edwards was following up and restored the home sides lead with a simple tap in five yards out.

The three points were confirmed just five minutes later, as Edwards beat Connor and then Mitchell before scoring his second goal of the afternoon.

FULL TIME: Maine Road 4-2 1874 Northwich

ATTENDANCE: 210

1874 TEAM | Hall, Connor, Mitchell, Thomas, James, Chappell (C), Brandon, Ward, Beadle (Riley 89), Brooks (Woolley 81), Jackson (Wellstead 75).

UNUSED SUBS | Kirk, Lomas