Squires Gate vs 1874 Northwich

Recap

1874 started this game at a high tempo taking the game to their opponents from the NWCFL Premier division and could easily have taken the lead as early as the 11th minute when they hit the woodwork twice in 20 seconds! Firstly leading scorer Brandon saw his brilliant header beat the keeper only to rebound from the bar and then when it arrived at the feet of Ward, he quickly shifted the ball from one foot to the other and hit a crisp drive from ten yards that unfortunately rebounded off an upright with the home keeper well beaten.

Squires Gate started to come in to the game but they found 1874’s defence in a mean mood – expertly marshaled by Danny Thomas and Lee Duckworth. It seemed only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken and after 27 minutes 1874 deservedly took the lead with a well taken goal as Matty Ward met Lee Jones excellent cross into the box to volley past the keeper

However, although 1874 pressed for a second they were stunned in the 25th minute when Squires equalised with a stunning goal as Richards beat two men in midfield with a clever drag back before unleashing a brilliant shot from fully 35 yards which gave Conkie no chance whatsoever.

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So one each at half time and all to play for in the second half and 1874 came out with a positive attitude and deservedly regained the lead after 54 minutes with an exquisite goal from Michael Brandon. Ryan Mitchell, who was enjoying an excellent game at full back, won the ball and then hit a wonderful 40 yard cross field pass directly into the path of Brandon who controlled the ball instantly before slotting the ball home from 10 yards.

Quarter of an hour later and the tie was as good as won as Brandon netted a second goal after good work by Foy and Ward. Then in the 82nd minute it looked as if a hat trick may be on the cards – but, after a mistake by the home keeper, Ward reacted seconds quicker than Brandon to score his second goal from close range.

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Manager Street rang the changes using all of his allowed three substitutes and it was one of his replacements – Tom Peers – who scored the last goal of the game as he fired home from close range in the 89th minute .

So 1874 progress to the next round and a home meeting with Formby FC in February

Man of the match was Danny Thomas with Adam Foy, Lee Jones and Michael Brandon also outstanding

Team: Conkie; Mitchell; Thomas; Duckworth; Wellstead; Foy(capt); Jones; Bailey; Brandon and Ward
Subs: Peers replaced Wellstead (76); McKay replaced Mitchell (84) and Crane replaced Bailey (84) Bowyer (unused)

Attendance 135