1874 STAY TOP WITH VICTORY OVER ABBEY HEY

1874 NORTHWICH 2 V ABBEY HEY 0
NWCFL PREMIER @ BARTON STADIUM WINSFORD
8 OCT 2016 --- 3PM

SAMUEL HARE WITH AN 1874 FREE KICK

Two second half goals were enough to secure three points for 1874 as they continue their lofty position in The NWCFL Premier Division. Goals from Scott McGowan and Tom Bailey showed the 1874 home against a resilient Abbey Hey in a game that failed to real get started.
After meeting up with some superb 1874 fans a few weeks ago we were encouraged to come along and see them at home and with their games being played at Winsford Utds ground a place the blog was yet to visit today was the day.
A start from base station just before 1030 saw the East Midlands Train downgraded to 2 carriages and we were already standing in the vestibule area, by Sheffield we were searching for Jeremy Corbyn but there wasn't room on the floor for him.  The full length of both carriages were 'rammed' with seats taken the ticket inspector even had to get people off the train because the service was now overcrowded with no personal space it was definitely good to get off at Stockport.  The advantage was a conversation with a dad and son partnership who were off to see the Rugby League Grand Final which led to an interesting conversation allowing the journey to pass off quicker than it may otherwise have.  Our next destination was Crewe via an Arriva Trains Wales service that was on a winding journey to Carmarthen.  With 45 minutes to wait in Crewe we hopped off the station and had a little walk down Gresty Rd to have a look at Crewe Alexandra FC.  The last time I had visited there was I guess in the 80's for a local derby game with Wrexham but all was quiet today with The Alex away at Luton.  Back to the station for the next service that would drop in in Winsford 10 minutes later at 1307 handily just 4 minutes after the non connecting bus to the town!

BARTON STADIUM AND TENNANTS 1874 NORTHWICH

The train station is another one of those that is around 30 minutes walk from the centre and what looks about 10 minutes further on than the football ground, we opted not to go into town but seek out the McDonalds were I made a meal sampling my priority.  Mick was to abstain and sample a rather large pie and chips in the ground on arrival something that looked tempting but I couldn't could I?  No I didn't!

Walking to the approach to the ground we met a few of the 1874 officials whom we came across at Hanley a few weeks previous as ever a nice welcome ensued and matches everything we had previously discovered about this supporter owned club.  Through the afternoon this was replicated a friendly and welcoming bunch they are the only downside today was our mate from the last blog Bailey the bulldog had opted out and was stopping at home today!

1874 PLAYER OF THE MONTH MATT RUSSELL

The ground is an oval surround with hard standing all the way round with the outside of the pitch showing the grassed over remains of the former greyhound track which closed in the early 1990's.  As with any ground like this you do seem slightly dis associated with proceedings and certainly behind each goal you are some way away from the action.  Through the turnstiles we purchased programmes, golden goal tickets and after a comfort stop we visited the club shop/cabin for a 1874 badge.  On this side is the main stand with behind it a rabbit warren of 2 bars areas, hospitality, pa room and changing rooms contained in an old style stand which was big on character but you did fear a mighty defenders clearance striking it could put the structure in jeopardy.  Over on the opposite side is a covered terracing the full length of the pitch with a very low roof, around the ground there a various cabins, equipment and stock items.  Its a ground of character that has probably seen lots of sporting action over its time but now is looking very dated.  But its good to see Winsford have gained some help over the summer with the ground and I believe 1874 also help out here too.
Before the kick off there was time to catch up with a few familiar faces and collect the teams from 74's secretary for which I thank you.

SOME ABBEY HEY POSSESSION

The first half was not a memorable affair Northwich had looked to get the ball down and play football but Abbey Hey were making it difficult but there attacks were very much of the counter variety with frontman Jonathon Hardy having to do a lot of the running.  So unsurprisingly we arrived at half time goal less.

SCOTT MCGOWAN GETS A SHOT AWAY

The second half started with Greg Hall in the home goal saving from Ben McNamara before on 57 minutes the home side broke the deadlock when Scott McGowan was put through on the edge of the box and two strides later he had fired into the bottom right hand corner to give 1874 the lead. 
The lead was a relief and the game opened up a little with substitute Jack Woolley next to go close.

As Abbey Hey came out of their defensive mode the game still rested on the next goal and with 8 minutes remaining it was a bizarre own goal that secured a 2-0 victory although I guess Tom Bailey for 1874 will claim it.  It was Woolley who laid the ball back for the number 9 whose shot was cleared off the line by Hey's Adam Jones only for it to hit keeper Elliott Wynne to fly back over the line and into the goal.

RICHARD BAILEY SEES THE FUNNY SIDE

End of the action was signalled after the obligatory 3 minutes stoppage time and this game had been sadly quite forgettable as a spectacle thankfully saved by the wonderful fans and club that is 1874 Northwich.

A STEADY AFTERNOON FOR THE MATCH OFFICIALS TODAY

A different route back to the station through the Cheshire suburbs saw us undertake around an hour on our feet around the town and never see a bus although Winsford looks like that sort of town with not a great public transport service.
The reverse journey saw comfortable changes at Crewe, a station I found quite difficult to get my bearings in, and then at Stockport were we completed the final leg of the journey to arrive at base station around 8pm.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL