1874 Northwich vs Abbey Hey

Recap

1874 Northwich 2-0 Abbey Hey – by Jack Owen

1874 remained top of the Hallmark Security North West Counties Premier Division after two second half goals ensured that a dominant performance wouldn’t go unrewarded.

Rick Bailey, starting on the wing in the absence of Sam Hind, had the first opportunity for the Greens when he exchanged passes with Stuart Wellstead to enable him to get behind a defender, but his “cross-cum-shot” was blocked unintentionally by Tom Bailey on the line

Sam Hare then delivered a great free kick into the box towards Ryan Mitchell but unfortunately Mitchell headed wide of the goal.

Matt Russell fizzed a free kick into the box and it was just inches away from Tom Bailey’s head as the striker was well placed to open the scoring and then moments later, another good ball was whizzed in by Rick Bailey but Scott McGowan’s effort was dealt with by the keeper

Scott McGowan then combined with Tom Bailey to create an opening, but the goal bound effort was well saved by the impressive Abbey Hey goalkeeper

HALF TIME: 0-0

1874 made the breakthrough on the 56th minute, as Mark Jones weighted a delightful pass to Scott McGowan, and as McGowan advanced on goal, he placed the ball in to the bottom corner for his 11th goal of the season

Matt Russell had a chance to make it 2-0, but his headed effort went over the crossbar and moments later Danny Thomas looked well set to meet Sam Hares delivery into the area but an Abbey Hey defender cleared the ball just in time

The game was put to bed in the 82nd minute when, substitute Jack Woolley pulled the ball back to Tom Bailey, whose effort beat the keeper but was blocked on the line by a defender but his clearance hit the back of the goalkeeper and rebounded into the net. This second goal was much needed and in truth was quite fortuitous but the goal certainly calmed the nerves for 1874 both on and off the field!

1874: Hall, Wellstead (Mason 86), Mitchell, Thomas, Russell, R.Bailey (J.Woolley 77), M.Jones, Hare, M.Woolley (Capt), McGowan & T.Bailey (Carroll 86)

Unused Substitutes:| C.Jones & Tulloch

Attendance: 248 Man of the Match: Mark Jones