AFC Blackpool vs 1874 Northwich

Recap

1874 opened their Premier League season with a comprehensive 3-0 win at Blackpool on Saturday with all of Ian Street’s men putting in a full shift, much to the delight of Ian and the strong travelling support of the 1874 faithful.

The home side had a strong wind behind them and tried to use this to the best effect together with the unusual attacking option of an excellent long “throw in” from one of their fullbacks and from one such throw 1874 nearly conceded the first goal, but Aston came to his sides rescue.

The best chance of the opening quarter came after 15 minutes when Aston and the impressive Stewart combined well on the left and after two “one-twos” Stewart released Brandon who quickly advanced to the byeline before pulling the ball back to his strike partner – Matty Beadle – but his left footed strike was saved by the keepers legs.

Ten minutes later at the other end of the field, a poor clearance from the usually so dependable Conkie presented the hosts with a goal scoring opportunity but a well struck drive from twenty yards was well saved by Conkie.

Then just before half time 1874’s custodian was called upon again to make a good save from another long range drive.

The half closed at nil-nil but only just as the home side twice cleared the ball from the six yard box to just deny goal-scoring opportunities

1874 started the second half at a good pace with skipper Rick Bailey urging his troops on and leading by example.

In the 48th minute an excellent 40 yard cross field ball from Farnworth found Stewart on the left but his resultant shot from ten yards out was easily saved. Two minutes later and an inch-perfect corner from Paul Connor was just headed over by the on rushing Thomas. 1874 were seizing a good grip on the game now and seemed to have increased the tempo and the much-needed opening goal duly arrived in the 51st minute courtesy of Beadle meeting an excellent cross from Stewart to fire home.

A second goal was needed and it wasn’t long in coming – just four minutes to be precise. Excellent work by Mitchell and Connor on the right resulted in the latter delivering a telling cross to the far post for Stewart to prod the ball home from close range.

1874 continued to keep a strong hold on the game and once again the impressive partnership of Aston and Stewart combined to create a good chance for Brandon but last season’s top scorer once again saw his effort saved.

However, the third goal of the game arrived in the 80th minute when Bailey found space on the right before delivering an inch-perfect cross into the impressive Beadle, who quickly controlled the ball, before lobbing it into the top opposite corner of the net.

Manager Street was able to introduce three substitutes and all three -Abdullah, Short and Woods – quickly showed their appetites for the game creating a few half chances that on another day would have resulted in goals.

But in the end there were no further goals and 1874 had to settle for a 3-0 away victory and three well-earned points.

Man of the match was Ryan Stewart who gave a non stop performance in both attack and defence.

1874: Conkie. Mitchell, Farnworth, Thomas, Aston, Connor, Bailey, Woolley, Stewart, Brandon and Beadle. subs: Abdullah, Woods, Short. Hamer and Igenoza were unused

Att:352 (approx 300 from 1874 Northwich FC)