1874 Northwich vs Northwich Victoria

Recap

74 KINGS OF MID-CHESHIRE — AGAIN
By Garry Clarke

1874 NORTHWICH 1-0 NORTHWICH VICTORIA
MID-CHESHIRE DISTRICT SENIOR CUP FINAL 25TH APRIL 2017

A 66th minute strike by Scott McGowan was enough for 1874 Northwich to overcome Northwich Victoria and retain the Mid-Cheshire District Senior Cup.

Both teams had their chances to win an at times scrappy but entertaining encounter at St Luke’s Barton Stadium. The decisive moment came when McGowan won the ball on the right flank picking up a loose pass from former 1874 player George Mannion. Racing into Vics penalty area he drove an angled shot across Vics keeper Dylan Forth into the far side of the net to spark wild celebrations on and off the pitch.

After a cagey opening ten minutes 1874 gained the upper hand. Tom Bailey headed an Adam Whitlock cross straight at Forth in the 11th minute, while a few minutes later Sam Hare floated a free kick across the face of Vics goal which drifted wide as no one could apply a finishing touch.

With former 1874 player Dave Short prominent, Vics started to come more into the game firing several shots towards 1874’s goal. Stand in goalkeeper Andy Robertson, deputizing for the injured Greg Hall, was up to the challenge beating away two powerful shots from Short. Andy Fitzgerald headed over 1874’s bar from a corner and John Bennett fired a long range shot wide. Robertson also pulled off a spectacular flying save to tip a Short shot from outside the area away for a corner.

As the first half drew to a close Mark Jones headed a McGowan cross over Vics bar, while on the stroke of half time Sam Hind had a shot blocked after being set up by McGowan.

McGowan went close to scoring in the opening minutes of the second half but his shot on the turn was well saved low down by Forth.

Two minutes before 1874 hit the front, Tom Bailey played a ball over the top of Vics defence into the path of McGowan, who as he closed in on goal was brought down by a defender, referee Tom Elliott waved away 1874’s penalty claims playing advantage as the ball rolled into the path of Whitlock whose shot was saved by Forth. The Vics keeper also did well to keep out a Joe Woolley effort in the 90th minute.

Before McGowan had struck the winning goal, Short had chipped the ball over 1874’s bar from outside the area and Jack Kelleher thundered a header against the bar with Robertson beaten. The ex Witton Albion keeper did well to save a long range shot in the 70th minute as Vics strove for an equaliser.

For all their efforts Vics could not find a way through an impenetrable 1874 defence which stood firm as 1874 Northwich retained the Mid-Cheshire District Senior Cup to give joint managers Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison their first silverware.

1874 – Robertson, Connor, Russell, Mitchell, Lever, Hare (Edwards 38), Whitlock, M Jones, Bailey, McGowan, Hind (J Woolley 80). Subs not used Bove, Kennerley, M Woolley.

VICS – Forth, Mannion (Imade 82), Lawrence, Fitzgerald, Lyndon, Bennett, Clarke, Cesaire, Short (Sultan 76), Kelleher (McDonald 72), Gyimah. Subs not used Shaw, Matthews.

GOAL – 1874 McGowan 66

ATTENDANCE 332 REFEREE Tom Elliott

1874 man of the match selected by match sponsor NIGEL LEATHER LEVEL ON COMPUTERS
SCOTT McGOWAN

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