1874 Northwich vs Billingham Synthonia

Recap

SINGLE GOAL VICTORY ENSURES VASE PROGRESS – by Jack Owen

1874 NORTHWICH FC 1 V 0 BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA

FA VASE 1st ROUND

1874 turned their attention to the FA Vase last weekend, taking on formidable opponents from the Northern League who had only lost one game all season.

Ian Street shuffled his side around a little with Mark Jones moved into the back line, Ryan Mitchell was at fullback and Neil Chappell returned to the midfield following his absence due to suspension

Prior to the start of the game a minutes silence was observed impeccably for Derek Nuttall who had passed away earlier last week.

The game perhaps understandably was a very tight affair with neither side wanting to make mistakes. The first chance of the game fell to 1874’s leading goal scorer Tom Bailey, who was played in behind the Billingham back line, however, he lost his footing and could only hit a tame effort wide of the goal

1874 proceeded to grow in confidence and controlled possession of the ball for good periods. Scott McGowan was picked out by Sam Hind with a cutback, and he cleverly tried a fancy back heel shot to catch out the goalkeeper but his effort went wide of the post

Scott McGowan once again was involved in another chance for the Greens, he advanced with the ball after skipping round his marker and his chipped effort landed on the roof of the goal with the keeper beaten

The last chance of the half, was the most clear cut, Sam Hind read a through ball well and as the Billingham defence opted to leave the ball for the keeper, Sam was in behind, his effort was saved excellently at the expense of a corner

1874 began the second half with a high tempo, taking the game to the visitors and Tom Bailey looked to have broken the deadlock but the visitors stayed level thanks to an unbelievable clearance off the line by their back tracking defender.

Scott McGowan was next to be denied as his goal bound effort was also cleared well by another covering defender at the expense of a corner. However from the resultant corner came the only goal of the game as Danny Thomas leaped highest to head the ball powerfully towards goal. It appeared to hit the shoulder of Sam Hind before nestling into the back of the net

After some Billingham pressure on the 1874 goal, the Greens, marshalled extremely well by Mark Jones managed to cope somewhat comfortable although Greg Hall was called upon to bravely collect a threatening looking free kick with seconds to play

Moments later the full time whistle went to spark celebrations from the players and fans, for what was a great show of determination and heart by the 74 earning a richly deserved win against a very good side and securing a place in the second.

1874: Hall, Mitchell, Jones, Thomas, Russell, Chappell (Substituted by Rick Bailey 81 minutes), Matt Woolley (Capt), Hind, Hare, McGowan (Substituted by Jack Woolley 88 minutes) and Tom Bailey

Unused Substitutes: Lever and Carroll.

Attendance: 231