1874 Northwich vs Formby

Recap

1874 NORTHWICH 1-0 FORMBY NWCFL CHALLENGE CUP 3RD ROUND

22ND FEBRUARY 2014 played at Widnes.

1874 Northwich finally staged their first home game of 2014, but it was not at their normal Barton Stadium home, where they last played 63 days previously. Taking advantage of a free afternoon on the i-pitch they switched their NWCFL Challenge Cup third round tie to the Select Security Stadium in Widnes. Having twice lost to Formby earlier in the season it was third time lucky for 1874 as they secured their place in the quarter final beating the Squirrels 1-0.

Unbeaten in their last ten games, Formby enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges exerting pressure on the 1874 goal. Unable to find a way past the 1874 rearguard Formby found goalkeeper Matt Conkie had carried his impressive form from the Tranmere game over into this game. Time after time Conkie pulled off top class saves to prevent the visitors from opening the scoring.

Somewhat against the run of play Mike Brandon struck with the decisive goal in the 35th minute. Matty Ward twisted and turned the defence out wide before whipping in a cross from the left which found Brandon unmarked on the six yard line. 1874’s top scorer had all the time in the world to pick his spot as he powerfully headed home.

Either side of half time Stuart Wellstead went close to doubling 1874’s advantage. Moments before the half time whistle he curled a free kick from the edge of the area inches over the bar. Four minutes after the re-start his in swinging corner bounced to safety off the top of the bar.

Formby pushed forward in search of an equaliser to take the game into extra time but found the resolute 1874 defence unbeatable. With defenders throwing their bodies in the way to block shots on goal, while Conkie continued making several good saves in the later stages of a game which kept the crowd of 158 entertained. 1874 held on to their lead maintain their 100% record at the ground and progressed to the NWCFL Challenge Cup quarter final where they will host Premier Division Abbey Hey.

1874 – Conkie, Mitchell, Duckworth, Farnworth, Aston, Woolley, Wellstead, Bailey, Brandon (McGregor 85mins), Stewart, Ward (Woods 77mins). Subs not used Jones, Crane, Bowyer.

Goal scorer – Brandon 35 mins.

FORMBY – O’Connell. Turner, Swatton, Molyneux, White, Brislen, Edgerton, Speed (Rendall HT), Prescott, Smith, Adegbenro, Subs not used Sherlock, Simpson.

Man of the Match – Ryan Mitchell Attendance 158