1874 Northwich vs Winsford United

Recap

1874 NORTHWICH 0-1 WINSFORD UNITED NWCFL PREMIER 26TH DECEMBER 2014

1874 Northwich suffered their second NWCFL Premier Division defeat of the season going down 1-0 to Winsford United in the Boxing Day derby.

Although both teams call the Barton Stadium home, the visitors adapted quicker to the heavy pitch, which had passed a 12.30pm inspection. Heavy rain fell throughout the game turning the pitch into a quagmire in patches, especially around the centre circle making it difficult to pass or run with the ball.

Winsford had a 5th minute penalty appeal turned down following a Stuart Wellstead challenge on Kyle Rigby, and a few minutes later 1874 goalkeeper Matt Conkie was forced to cut out a dangerous cross as Winsford dominated the opening exchanges.

Wellstead fired in a free kick which was comfortably saved by Winsford goalkeeper Dean Williams, who launched an attack down the left flank. Will Wareing picked up the ball on the half way line cut inside and played the ball into the path of Kyle Jennings. In acres of space on the edge of the 1874 area, Jennings calmly slotted the ball past Conkie to give the Blues a 12th minute lead.

Jennings went close to doubling Winsford’s advantage 12 minutes later, as 1874 struggled to clear a free kick from their area, Jennings shot was tipped over the bar by Conkie.

1874’s best opportunity of the first half came in the 30th minute when Mike Brandon met a free kick floated into the Winsford box with a header which was deflected onto the post and behind for a corner.

After the half time break 1874 started to get to grips with the deteriorating conditions creating several goal scoring chances. However, as they pushed forward in search of an equaliser they ran the risk of being caught out at the back, but Winsford failed to capitalise on the opportunities which came their way.

In the opening minutes of the second half new signing Steve Foster played Brandon in behind the Winsford back four but he was denied by Williams who made a brave save at the feet of the green shirted striker. Matt Woolley had a shot blocked, Matty Ward saw a shot deflected wide and Foster was denied from close range by Williams.

1874 were reduced to ten men half way through the half when referee Daniel Issawi dismissed Woolley for inappropriate comments made towards the man in black.

In the 75th minute Brandon set up Foster who surged past an advancing Williams and with the goal in his sights was brought down from behind in a packed penalty area. Williams, who was shown a yellow card for his misdemeanour, saved Wellstead’s spot kick.

Unbeaten in their previous 16 league games, 1874 were awarded a second penalty two minutes into stoppage time when Wareing fouled Brandon. As Wareing trudged towards the dressing rooms, having received a red card for his offence, and the snow started to fall on the Barton Stadium, Williams saved Dave Short’s penalty.

1874 – Conkie, Connor (Short 72 mins), Duckworth, Mitchell, McGrath, Chappell, Woolley, Foster, Brandon, Ward, Wellstead. Subs not used – Woods, Crofts, Bowyer.

WINSFORD – Williams, Soel (Eisley ht), Wareing, Baker, Jones, Shaw, Marshall, Jennings, Riley, Ellison, Noon. Subs not used – McQuillan, Gough, Rothwell.

GOAL – Winsford – Jennings 12 minutes

ATTENDANCE 500 REFEREE – Daniel Issawi