Runcorn Town vs 1874 Northwich

Recap

RUNCORN TOWN 0-2 1874 NORTHWICH NWCFL PREMIER 15TH FEBRUARY 2016

A goal in each half by Mike Brendon settled the Cheshire derby in favour of 1874 Northwich who beat Runcorn Town 2-0 at the Pavilions.

1874 Northwich always held the upper hand and never looked like losing a keenly contested game between two teams in the top six of the NWCFL Premier Division. Play continually switched from end to end as both teams created numerous chances. The Runcorn keeper Phil Priestley, especially in the first half, was the busier if the two net minders.

Runcorn’s Gareth Grant intercepted a weak back pass in the 10th minute, bearing down on goal his shot was blocked by Greg Hall. The 1874 goalkeeper also saved a Sam Houghton effort and towards the end of the half pulled off a save at point blank range to deny Grant.

1874 had twice gone close to opening the score in the opening minutes before Ryan Jackson cutting inside from the left fired in a 15th shot which was turned away for a corner by Priestley. Making his debut in Runcorn colours, Priestley also saved well to keep out a long range shot from Matt Woolley, while Stuart Wellstead danced around the Runcorn defence to beat Priestley but pulled his shot across the face of the goal.

The deadlock was broken in the 39th minute. Wellstead flicked a long ball into the path of Brandon, who calmly slotted a low dive from the edge of the area across Priestley into the far bottom corner of the net.

The home side ended the half with ten men, Chris Lester being sent off in stoppage time after grabbing Brandon around the neck.

Although there was not as much goalmouth action in the second half the game was still an open affair.

Runcorn were limited to mainly firing in long shots which rarely troubled Hall or playing hopeful crosses into the 1874 box which were easily dealt with. The closest they came to grabbing an equaliser came in the 75th minute when Paul Shanley hit a shot which just flew wide of the angle of the post and bar.

Not as dominant as in the first half, 1874 created several chances to increase their lead. Priestley saved well to deny Craig Farnworth and Matty Ward, while Ryan Mitchell, Brandon, Jackson and Woolley were all just off target with their efforts.

Brandon wrapped up the game in the first minute of stoppage time. Neil Chappell lined up a shot from outside the area, as he struck the ball it took a bobble forcing the ball to veer off target. It landed at the feet of Jack Woolley lurking on the far side of the area. The 1874 substitute skipped around the Runcorn defence cut the ball back across the face of goal where Brandon turned it past Priestley from close range.
RUNCORN –Priestley, Lester, Kelly, Dykes, Lawton, Toone (Irlam 80), Shanley, Keddie, Woods, Grant, Houghton (McKillop ht) – subs not used McShane, Ablewhite, Martland.

1874 – Hall, Connor, Lomas, Mitchell, Farnworth, Chappell, Wellstead (Brooks 67), M.Woolley, Brandon, Ward, Jackson (J.Woolley 85). Subs not used Riley, Tulloch.

GOALS 1874 Brandon 39,91

ATTENDANCE – 239 REFEREE – Michael Barrow