Market Drayton Town vs 1874 Northwich

Recap

Market Drayton 0-1 1874 Northwich: Woolley’s winner seals 74’s first 3 points at Step 4.

By Jack Owen

1874 secured their first win at Step 4 with Joe Woolley’s header on the 15th minute enough to see off Market Drayton at Greenfields.

An energetic and fast paced start from 74’ caught the hosts cold early on, 3 early chances all testing the defence of Market Drayton. Jake Parker having the best one, his effort stung the legs of Joe Care and the rebound dropped wide of the goal.

The opening goal came on the 15 minute mark, a pinpoint cross from the right side of the box from the influential Jake Parker found Joe Woolley lurking to power a header home into the bottom corner giving Ash Rawlings in the Market Drayton goal no chance.

The 74’ pressure was relentless now and chances were piling up, Scott McGowan forced a great save low down from Rawlings and moments later Jack Irlam broke the offside trap but couldn’t get his finish right as he blazed a shot over the bar with just the keeper to beat.

The second half continued as the first ended, 74’ dominating the ball and creating chance after chance, Irlam guided a header at the back post wide when it looked certain the midfielder would score.

Down the other end, Mark Jones was putting in a brilliant performance, he read a ball perfectly to intercept, driving up the pitch he played a ball down the right for Ryan Jackson, the winger flicked the ball round the corner to Scott McGowan who’s chipped effort beat the keeper however Joe Care was on hand to rescue his side heading off the line.

The game now was becoming stretched with the hosts sensing a result was still in reach, this left more space for 74’. Jake Parker and Ryan Jackson both had big opportunities that couldn’t be taken to put the game to bed.

Tony Aghayere, a spectator for the majority of the game, had to stay alert to tip away a low strike from Dimitri Dunkley and keep the one-nil lead intact.

As the hosts pushed for an equaliser the game became frantic, Mark Jones blocked an effort from a corner as substitute Kyle Montague stabbed an effort towards goal.

Jake Parker thought he had the chance to put the contest to bed, he beat his man but only found Ash Rawlings in his way to make a smart stop.

The final whistle was sounded after 5 minutes of injury time which brought a huge sigh of relief from players and fans alike. A deserved first victory in step 4.

Market Drayton (4-3-3): Ash Rawlings (GK), Liam Riley-Stewart, Matt Jones, George Lewis (Conor Hughes 86’), Joe Care, George Taylor, Dimitri Dunkley (Brendon Price 73’), Jakob Burroghs, Harry Morris (Kyle Montague 63’), Connor Russo, Jordan Davies

Subs not used: Reece Taylor, Sean Jones