1874 Northwich vs Winsford United

Recap

1874 3-1 Winsford: Parker shines brightest in Northwich win

by Joe Dutton

Jake Parker’s stunning second half strike ensured 1874 Northwich continued their winning start in the 2019/20 NWCL campaign, as they beat local rivals Winsford United 3-1 at Townfield Lane.

Following a lively start from the hosts, midfielder Mike Koral opened the scoring inside the very first minute.

After what appeared to be an attempted cross, the ball managed to loop into the top left corner of the goal.

A stroke of luck for their first goal perhaps, but there was nothing fluky about the shortly arriving second.

Just three minutes later, 1874 doubled their early advantage, this time Parker was able to capitalise on Winsford goalkeeper Michael Langley’s mis-kicked clearance, as he dribbled into the box and calmly slotted the ball home.

Two goals down, Winsford needed a quick reply and they came close, as former 1874 striker David Short was able to turn in the box, before he unleashed a right-footed shot that hit the outside of the right post.

Parker was in the thick of the action again for 1874, as he lashed a powerful drive at goal for Langley to save, after retrieving possession again.

The game appeared to become more and more scrappy as it grew on, after Northwich saw out the half with a 2-0 lead.

The visitors could not afford to start the second half as they did the first, and they made sure it would be the complete opposite.

Five minutes into the last 45, Winsford were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Northwich box, and midfielder Kyle McGonigle curved the ball into the top right corner, in off the post, giving 1874 goalkeeper Nick Ward no chance of reaching it.

At 2-1, Northwich looked to get back the two goal cushion, as both Parker and full-back Sam Hind came close after both of their efforts were blocked brilliantly on the line by two Winsford defenders.

New 1874 signing Nathan Okome, who came on as a first half substitute for Sam Hare after he suffered what appeared to be some sort of minor concussion, linked up well throughout the game with fellow midfielders Parker and Koral.

The 18-year-old continued to force the Winsford players off the ball with his pressure at any given moment.

As the rain started to pour in Barnton, Northwich found the breathing space they were looking for.

With just over ten minutes to play, Winsford cleared away a Northwich corner, but Koral helped it back forward into the path of Parker, who managed to superbly volley a swerving 30 yard strike past the on-looking Langley, who could only stare and watch the ball fly past him into the roof of the net.

At 3-1, it looked to be job done for the hosts, as they were able to see out the remaining minutes to seal victory number two in the league.

With a trip up to Clitheroe in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round next for Northwich, they will surely be full of confidence following two impressive victories in the league.