Nelson vs 1874 Northwich

Recap

In this top of the table clash between the two form teams in the division, 1874 came off second best after suffering a nightmare nine minute opening to the game.

In the very first minute 1874 were denied a penalty when everyone but the man with the whistle failed to see a clear foul on Brandon. Less than 30 seconds later the home side were one goal up, when their first attack produced a goal even though the 1874 defence appeared to have plenty of time to clear the ball before the shot from Melling beat 1874’s custodian low down at the near post.

Things quickly got worse when on 3 minutes Barski hit an unstoppable drive into the top corner of the net from 25 yards but again the 1874’s defenders had a couple of opportunities to clear their lines and indeed an under hit pass out of their own area was easily intercepted and played to Barski who did the rest.

This opening was certainly not part of the plan for 1874 and when the score became 3-0 in the ninth minute, it looked a forlorn task ahead. Once again 1874 conceded possession too easily and the pace of the Nelson front man was such that the eventual tackle was mistimed with the inevitable result being a penalty – easily dispatched by Wright. To add to the 1874 problems their defender was booked unlike his opposite number in the Nelson side who escaped a booking after giving away a penalty that gave the visitors some hope as Ward scored from the spot after 15 minutes.

1874 then proceeded to enjoy their best spell of the game as they slowly got on top but despite creating a few more half chances and hitting the cross bar the second goal eluded them and the score remained 3-1 at half-time.

In the second half the strong 1874 following of supporters expected their side to resume on top but in actual fact it was Nelson who looked the most likely to score and they had several good chances but Conkie pulled off a number of fine saves

As the game moved into the final quarter Nelson found themselves reduced to ten men as a defender saw red for a blatant off the ball infringement taking Wellstead out of the game, but try as they did 1874 couldn’t create any clear chances and in fact Nelson came close on a couple of occasions to score a fourth goal.

But the game ended with no second half goals and Nelson secured the double over 1874. In truth they deserved their victory as they were quickly ” out of the blocks” hitting 1874 hard very early on with their three goals and too many 1874 players were a bit off the pace but Farnworth, Wellstead and Ward could be pleased with their efforts but not the result.

Team: Matt Conkie; Ryan Mitchell; Ryan Stewart; Craig Farnworth Lee Duckworth; Rick Bailey; Daley Woods; Lee Jones (Capt) Mike Brandon; Matty Ward and Stuart Wellstead

Attendance: 170