1874 Northwich vs Padiham

Recap

PADIHAM PICKUP POINTS
BY GARRY CLARKE

1874 NORTHWICH 1-2 PADIHAM HSL PRMIER 4TH MARCH 2017

An at times lackluster disjoined performance condemned 1874 Northwich to a second consecutive Hallmark Security League Premier Division defeat losing 2-1 at home to Padiham.

Without a win in their last four games, Padiham dominated the opening half hour of the game with centre forward James Dean causing 1874’s rearguard all sorts of problems. As early as the second minute he scooped a shot over the bar and four minutes later drew a fine save from Greg Hall, while a further three minutes into the game looped a header into Hall’s hands.

Mark Jones did well to head a Dean cross clear in the 20th minute as the ball was about to drop to Kieran Pickup with the goal at his mercy. Jones and Dean clashed in 26th minute in a challenge which left the 1874 defender on deck and the Padiham man with a yellow card for the use of an elbow.

As the rain lashed down on the St Luke’s Barton Stadium 1874 started to get to grips with the heavy pitch and came more into the game.

Tom Bailey fired in a long range free kick which was easily held by Padiham goalkeeper Michael Donlon, although the Padiham keeper could not prevent the hosts going into the half time break in front. Tyler Edwards unleashed a long range shot which Donlon could only push into the path of Same Hare who scored from close range in the 45th minute.

Having spent much of the first half giving possession away too easily, 1874 came out fired up and dominated the opening period of the second half forcing several corners. Hare had a shot blocked, Edwards a shot deflected behind for a corner and a header just cleared the bar.

Padiham were always a threat on the break with Alex Murphy heading over the bar from a Dominic Craig cross, Hall cut out a Murphy cross with Pickup lurking and Matt Russell preventing Dean from getting a shot away with a good tackle.

The visitors, who throughout the game seemed sharper and more committed than their hosts, leveled the score in the 70th minute. Matt Woolley was disposed by Dean who slipped the ball to Pickup who calmly slotted the ball past Hall from the edge of the area.

A few minutes later Edwards raced down the left wing, cutting inside his shot was saved low down by Donlon, moments later Edwards latched onto a Lee Jones pass but could only steer the ball inches wide of the target.

Padiham took the lead in the 79th minute despite 1874 being on the attack. Joe Woolley tried to cut inside the Padiham left back but lost his footing on the wet surface. Padiham played the ball long into 1874’s half where Mark Jones also slipped as he tried to intercept allowing Pickup a clear run on goal. Hall managed to stop Pickup’s initial shot but the Padiham managed to net the rebound.

As the game entered stoppage time Hall played a long ball out to Matt Russell on the left wing, his low cross was cut out at the near post. From the resultant corner a goalmouth scramble ended in a free kick to Padiham.

With time almost up 1874 launched one last desperate free kick into the Padiham area, the visitors cleared the ball and with Hall still up front, having joined his attacking colleagues at the opposite end of the pitch to where he normally operates, Padiham were denied an attempt for a third goal by a last ditch sliding tackle by Russell as the referee’s whistle brought proceedings to an end.

1874 – Hall , Mitchell, Whiteoak (Douglas 87), M Jones, Russell, L Jones, M Woolley (Waldron 71), J Woolley, Hare (Pratt 77), Edwards, Bailey Sub not used Kennerley

Padiham Donlon, Docherty, Young, Barski, Walker, Melia (Townsend 61), Craig, Turner, Murphy (Parkes 88), Dean, Pickup (Farnworth 90) Subs not used Taylor, Coyne

GOALS – 1874 Hare 45 Padiham Pickup 70,79

Referee Lewis Raper Attendance 228

Man of the match selected by sponsors – Simon where’s your wallet? – Tyler Edwards