Alsager Town vs 1874 Northwich

Recap

ALSAGER TOWN 1 – 1 1874 NORTHWICH NWCFL PREMIER 12/8/14

A controversial 70th minute goal by substitute Dave Short rescued a point for 1874 Northwich at Alsager Town to maintain their unbeaten start to their debut season in the NWCFL Premier Division.

After an initial feeling out process the home side took an early lead scoring in the 7th minute when the ball broke to Michael Carr on the edge of the 1874 area. The former Northwich Victoria player shot high into the 1874 net.

Stung into action by going behind early, 1874 dominated the remainder of the first half with Paul Connor, Rick Bailey Craig Farnworth and Mike Aston all firing shots just wide or over the target. Connor, Farnworth and Matty Ward drew fine saves from Alsager’s goalkeeper Steve Dryden, while Connor also smacked a shot against the bar.

Alsager enjoyed a more even share of the play in the second half but rarely threatened to increase their tally as Matt Conkie, ably assisted by his two centre-backs, dealt comfortably with everything thrown in the direction of 1874’s goal.

The game exploded into life in the 70th minute when 1874 equalised. Matty Beadle was standing in front of Dryden as he was attempting to kick the ball out of his hands; the Alsager custodian dropped the ball to the floor allowing Beadle to dispose him. Amidst protests from Alsager’s players and bench the referee waved play on, Beadle passed the ball to Short who slid it into the empty net.

Several minute later with tensions still running high, Alsager substitute Josh Rowley felled Ward with a reckless tackle. Players from both sides gathered round the incident swapping handbags in a bout of pushing and shoving.

As the game was drawing to a close Short drew a fine save from Dryden while Conkie saved well to deny Joe Evans. Alsager were handed a chance to claim all three points when the referee deemed Farnworth’s 90th minute tackle on Peter Heler worthy of a penalty. Centre back Matt Haddrell stepped forward and chipped his spot kick over the bar ensuring the points were shared.

1874 – Conkie, Mitchell, Duckworth, Farnworth, Aston, Thomas, Connor, Ward, Brandon (Short 59mins), Beadle, Bailey (Abdullah 84mins). Subs not used Hurts, Crofts, Fossdyke.

ALSAGER – Dryden, Evans, Connor, Hadrell, Chadwick, Prince, Heler, Carr (Rowley 20mins), C.Smith (Griggs 85mins), Blundell (Elcock 70mins), Reaney. Sub not used R.Smith

GOALS – Alsager Carr 7. 1874 Short 70

Referee Mr O.Lynn (Wigan)

Attendance 264