1874 Northwich vs St Helens Town

Recap

In only their second home game of the year 1874 Northwich recorded a comprehensive win and a quick- fire double over St Helens Town having won 4-1 at their ground just seven days earlier.

However, the visitors started the game at a high tempo with their lively centre forward Marcus Perry threatening to “spoil the party” on two occasions in the opening 15 minutes but he was thwarted first by Conkie with a good save and then Bayley with a timely tackle. Jack Goulding also had an early chance for St Helens but his effort was blocked.

It was not until the 19th minute when 1874 had their real first goal scoring opportunity but Chappell having brushed easily past two defenders, hit his shot well wide of the target.

Then just before the half-hour mark Connor and Beadle combined well for 1874 but the latter’s cross was headed well, but wide of the target by debutant Jordan Johnson.

However soon after the opening goal did arrive and amazingly it was scored by Ryan Mitchell – the 1874 defender is now in a rich vein of scoring as this was his third in the last five games! Once again it was a good header as he met an excellent cross from Bayley to give the keeper no chance of saving it.

Before the interval Brandon and Johnson both went close to adding to the score but the visiting keeper saved both of their efforts

1874 started the second half looking for an early second goal and it very nearly came two minutes into the half but after Thomas had won the ball well in midfield and subsequently found Brandon well placed to score the resultant shot went wide of the target. Shortly afterwards, Mitchell very nearly scored a second goal but his goal bound effort was deflected for a corner.

But the much needed second goal did arrive in the 51st minute when Brandon guided a pass from Johnson into the goal. Several minutes later and Beadle, having been sent clear on the right flank proceeded to beat two defenders before seeing his cross-cum shot roll agonisingly just wide of the far post when a simple tap in was all that was required.

In a rare second half attack from the visitors Birchall headed wide when well placed and very soon after in the 71st minute the third goal arrived for 1874 when their skipper Matt Woolley scored for the fifth time this season and two further goals followed in quick succession afterwards as first Brandon got his second after being played in by an excellent ball from substitute Wellstead and then Joe Woolley scored for the second game in a row when he got the faintest of touches to an excellent shot from his elder brother.

Just before the final whistle, Brandon thought that he had scored his third goal of the evening only to have his hat-trick celebrations quickly interrupted by an offside flag.

So 1874 secured the three points and in truth bounced back well after their disappointing reverse at top of the table Runcorn Linnets last Saturday

Mike Brandon scores his second – Image: Molly Darlington

Team: Conkie; Connor; Bayley; Mitchell; Duckworth ;Thomas; Chappell; Woolley (Matt) Brandon; Beadle and Johnson. Subs: Wellstead (for Thomas 77 mins); Joe Woolley for Johnson (67 mins) and Lunn for Beadle (77 mins) – Unused subs: Crofts and Bowyer.

Referee: Mr Daniel Issawi

Attendance: 185