Recap
1874 NORTHWICH 0-0 NELSON NWCFL PREMIER 15TH NOVEMBER 2014
Having lost twice to Nelson in their debut season 1874 Northwich celebrated their 2nd birthday by taking their first point from reigning NWCFL First Division champions in an entertaining incident packed encounter.
A heavy Barton Stadium pitch prevented either side from moving the ball around quickly with both sets of players working hard throughout, at times having to rely on playing long balls when shorter passing movements would have been the preferred option. As play switched from end to end both teams created enough openings to have won the game although neither goalkeeper was overworked.
After an even opening 15 minutes, 1874 started to get on top with Neil Chappell shooting wide, Matty Ward pulling a shot across goal and Chappell failing to get on the end of a Ward cross. However, as the half progressed Nelson came more into the game. A defensive mix up when trying to clear a long ball allowed Peter Wright the opportunity to shoot from distance, to the relief of the 1874 rearguard his shot flew over the bar. Nelson proceeded to force a series of corners which 1874 did well to scramble clear.
1874 had a penalty appeal turned down in the 37th minute. Matt Woolley floated a free kick into the Nelson area, Ryan Mitchell went down under a defenders challenge as he was tried to get to the ball.
The opening minutes of the 2nd half saw Matt Beadle whip in a cross from the left which Nelson keeper Matt Woodhead palmed onto a colleague’s back before pouncing on the rebound. Woodhead was also called into action to save from Beadle after Paul Connor had slipped the ball behind the Nelson back four.
Nelson’s Gareth Peet fired a 52nd minute free kick over the 1874 bar as Nelson went close several times in a ten minute spell which also saw Rob Grimes shoot over the bar and Wright have a goal bound shot deflected wide.
1874 dominated the final twenty minutes. Beadle flicked a long ball into the path of Ward, who after outpacing the visitor’s defence shot narrowly wide. Arriving at the far post Jamie Tandy latched onto a cross from the right pulling the ball back into the middle setting up Chappell who shot over from 10 yards. Stuart Wellstead set up Chappell who shot wide under a hefty challenge from a Nelson defender. As the game entered stoppage time Woolley unleashed a drive from 25 yards which whistled inches wide of the target.
1874 – Conkie, Connor, Duckworth, Mitchell, Thomas, Chappell, Jones (Brandon 88mins), Woolley, Beadle (Wellstead 71mins), Ward, Tandy. Subs not used Short, Woods, Stewart.
NELSON – Woodhead, E.O’Neill, Peet, Morrison, Lloyd, Mason, M.O’Neill, D.Mahoney (Hession 79mins), Wright, Grimes, J.O’Neill (Fildes 86mins). Sub not used C.Mahoney.
REFEREE – Mark Cunliffe ATTENDANCE 420
MAN OF THE MATCH SELECTED BY SPONSORS WB & AD MORGAN – Paul Connor.
vs 
Nelson