1874 Northwich vs Sheffield United

Recap

1874 NORTHWICH 2-2 SHEFFIELD UNITED FRIENDLY 25TH JULY 2015

Inspired by Aiden Haughton, 1874 came from 2-0 behind to claim a 2-2 draw against Sheffield United in the Green’s only Barton Stadium fixture of their pre-season campaign.

Fielding a number of players with Football League experience, the youthful Blades opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. Joel Coustrain shooting home from close range after Otis Khan’s shot had been blocked on the line.

1874 responded to the early set back by forcing several corners before Ryan Jackson had two shots saved by United’s keeper Jake Eastwood, who also saw a Matty Ward free kick sail over his crossbar.

Goal scorer turned provider in the 21st minute. The visitors broke down field, Coustrain crossed from the left into the path of Dan Cockerline who applied the finishing touch from six yards.

1874 got on the score sheet when Haughton swept home a cross from Paul Connor in the 28th minute. Haughton struck again in the 41st minute chipping the keeper after Ward had played the ball into the danger area.

After the break both sides contributed to an entertaining afternoon, both playing open and attacking football.

The full timers created more chances with 1874 keeper Andy Jones being called upon to make several fine saves, while 1874’s best chance fell to Jackson whose spectacular overhead kick flashed wide of the target.

In the closing minutes Sheffield’s Kler Heh curled a shot inches wide of the far post as the game ended all square, a result all of the 260 spectators in attendance agreed was a fair result.

1874 – Jones, Connor, Lomas, Mitchell, Thomas, Chappell, Woolley (McNicholl), Jackson (Lunn), Haughton, Ward, James. Subs not used Bayley, Mason, Stadnicki.

SHEFFIELD UNITED – Eastwood, Phillips, Colquhoyn, Whiteman, Banton, Evans, Hamilton, Khan, McDonagh, Cockerline, Coustrain. Subs all used Wright, Heh, Murray, Brooks, Kelly.

GOALS – 1874 Haughton 28,41 UNITED – Coustrain 3, Cockerline 21

ATTENDANCE 260 REFEREE – Ian Hurdle

MEN OF THE MATCH SELECTED BY MATCH SPONSOR MR ALAN ANDREWS

1874 Aiden Haughton UNITED Julian Banton