1874 Northwich vs Hanley Town

Recap

EIGHT WINS IN A ROW FOR 1874

1874 NORTHWICH FC 2 V 0 HANLEY TOWN

After making progress last weekend in the FA Vase it was back to their League schedule on Tuesday evening as 1874 welcomed Hanley Town to the St Lukes Barton Stadium.

If Hanley could take three points from the game then they would have gone to the top of the league table but try as they obviously did it was not to be their night as 1874 continued with their rich vein of form through their league and cup exploits this season and in the end they ran out comfortable winners to take the three points and move up the table a couple of places.

At the same time this convincing victory equalled a club record for 1874 of “eight wins on the trot” much to the delight of their committed supporters.

Striker Scott McGowan was not risked for the game and this provided the opportunity for Kyle Riley to be included in the starting line-up. 1874 took the game to their opponents right from the kick off as they looked hungry for success with skipper Matt Woolley and Mark Jones being involved throughout in a busy midfield.

This early onslaught should have perhaps earned a reward of the opening goal when after nine minutes Jake Parker was adjudged to have been fouled in the area and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. With the usual spot kick expert – McGowan – not available it fell to Adam Whitlock to step up for the penalty responsibility but his effort was a weak one and easily saved by Cawley in the visitors goal.

Five minutes later and 1874 nearly “paid dearly” for this missed opportunity as Hanley threatened with a good quick move downfield and it needed a timely intervention by Mitchell to thwart the attack. However, three minutes later the same 1874 defender very nearly presented the visitors with a real chance to open the scoring as he inexplicably tried to dribble out of defence and he subsequently lost the ball and was relieved to see a good effort from Hanley go narrowly wide of goal.

On the half hour mark Lee Jackson won the ball well on the left hand side of the field and then linked up well with Riley and Hind to create a chance for Hind but his effort lacked the power to trouble Cawley

Soon after Jones and Hind combined well for 1874 and Jones had a strong shot blocked by a Hanley defender and from teh rebound Hind too saw his effort cleared.

Hanley’s nearest attempt to goal inevitably came from their star striker Stair but his well struck effort from 25 yards was saved well by Hall at the expense of a corner whish was subsequently cleared.

The much-needed opening goal finally arrived when in the 37th minute Riley turned in a cross from the right flank following a good interchange between Whitlock and Hind. The lead was very nearly doubled just before half-time when the astute Hind picked up a poor clearance from Cawley and from 35yards out Hind returned the ball fiercely at the target but Cawley just managed to get back in time to make a save.

HT 1-0

The second half started almost as the first half had ended with Hind being involved in creating a chance which went narrowly wide. Both sides continued the search for the all-important next goal and for 1874 Jones had a good header from 8 yards well saved whilst at the other end Stair kept Hall busy in the home goal.

The game most definitely needed a second goal but try as both sides did they failed to break down two resolute defences and in fairness the referee didn’t help matters with some strange decisions and his apparent lack of intent to allow the game to flow but in the 84th minute the referee had no hesitation in correctly awarding 1874 a penalty following a foul in the area and captain matt Woolley stepped up to apply the perfect strike to put his side two goals up

1874:Hall; Connor; L Jackson; Pritchard; Mitchell; Jones; Whitlock; M Woolley; Riley; Parker & Hind. Subs: Kennerley; Lever; Woods; Waite-Jackson & Thomas

Man of the match as chosen by sponsors 1874 Beer Festival Committee: Kyle Riley – Attendance: 184