Colne vs 1874 Northwich

A fine second-half goal from winger Joe Woolley almost brought the game back to the visitors but it was not to be.

Colne FC had a solid mid table position in the NPL West last season and had come into the match off an impressive pre-season 2-1 win over FC Halifax from the National League, while 1874 Northwich were also confident after some impressive wins over Airbus Broughton FC, Cheadle Heath Nomads and Llandudno FC.

On a fine sunny Saturday in Lancashire, 1874 Northwich started brightly with player-coach Jamie Reed up front, supported by Jack Irlam and wingers Kenzie O’Neill and Joe Woolley, and the first half-chance fell to 1874’s Manuel Diop Parra who saw a firm shot blocked by Colne goalkeeper Hakan Burton.

However, Colne started to dominate play and on 33 minutes, a long ball by the home team reached impressive striker Owen Watkinson who slipped through the 1874 defence to score and take the lead for the home team.

The visitors were clearly stung by Colne taking the lead and soon created half-chances for Reed and Jack Irlam but the score remained the same at the end of the first period.

A fast-paced start for 1874, now playing downhill, saw both wing backs driving further forward and soon both Liam Buckley and Parra were playing good crosses into the Colne goalmouth.

On 60 minutes, 1874 got the equaliser they probably deserved when flying winger Joe Woolley ran past home skipper Harry Winstanley and smashed a left footed shot into the net.

However, the home team were soon back into the lead when the 1874 Northwich defence failed to deal with a corner and Colne midfielder Harry Doherty scored with a powerful header on 63 minutes.

This second goal clearly stung 1874 who had been dominant in the second period and the visitors again began to control possession through midfielders Fenton Green and Matt Woolley.

Despite strong 1874 pressure in the final minutes, with further half-chances falling to substitute Henry Limpitshi Bongwanga, it was the home team that took the win and now progress in the Emirates FA Cup.