Andrew’s Match Preview
1874 Northwich v Colne
NPL West
Townfield
Saturday 10th December - 15:00
*PITCH INSPECTION - 10:00*
Colne travel to the village of Barnton just outside Northwich in Cheshire, to take on 1874 Northwich at Townfield.
1874 Northwich, who were formed just 10 years ago play their home games at Barnton FC’s ground Townfield, and have an average attendance of 287 this season. They are nicknamed the ‘74 or the Greens. Last season 1874 Northwich finished comfortably in 12th place in the NPL West with 47 points. In the head to head with the Reds, an Ashley Woods strike gave the Greens an early lead at Townfield last October, but Colne hit back with an equaliser by Billy Hassler-Cregg, and a last minute penalty winner from Reece Webb-Foster. In the return at Holt House, 1874 ran riot in the 2nd half with goals from Matthew Woolley (2), Jamie Reed and Taylor Kennerley to give them a 4-0 rout. The two sides have met twice this season at Holt House with the Reds winning 2-1 in the FA Cup extra preliminary round in August thanks to goals from Watkinson and Doherty with Joe Woolley replying for Northwich. In the league encounter a month later, a solitary Jack Doherty goal won the points for the Reds.
This season the ‘74 have won 6, drawn 6 and lost 6 and sit in 10th spot with 24 points from 18 games. Their victories have included excellent away wins at Clitheroe 3-1 and Macclesfield 1-0. They have won 4 at home - City of Liverpool 2-0, Skelmersdale United 2-1, Trafford 2-0 and Widnes 2-0 and lost twice - Glossop 0-2 and Hanley Town 0-1. The Greens went out of both cup competitions at the first stage losing 1-2 at Holt House in the FA Cup and going down 1-2 at Clitheroe in the FA Trophy. In their last home fixture, 1874 beat Widnes 2-0 with goals from Joe Woolley and Jack Marrow, but they lost their last game 0-2 at Bootle last Saturday.
1874 Northwich players to watch - Right winger Joe Woolley has been the Greens’ danger man this term. He’s already scored 7 times in all competitions, including a goal at Holt House in the FA Cup. Joe has been at the club since 2015.
His older brother Matt is the club captain and is already ‘74’s longest serving player, making his debut back in 2014. Matt transferred in from Knutsford having played at a higher level for Witton Albion and Halifax Town.
20 year old forward MacKenzie O’Neill came through Wigan Athletic’s academy before signing for Prescot Cables. This is his 2nd season playing for the Greens and he has netted 5 times this season in 21 appearances.
Centre back Matty Fenton joined the club last year from Crewe’s academy. The 22 year old has been an ever present for the ‘74 this season.
Liam Buckley is a 20 year old full back who came through Chester’s youth system and spent last season with Welsh Premier side Cefn Druids and has played 20 times for Northwich this term.
Last season’s player of the year CB/CM Mark Jones, is another experienced asset who is enjoying his 7th season at the club.
Striker Josh Quarless is 6 foot 7, and he obviously offers an aerial threat. The 24 year old played at City of Liverpool last season and joined Runcorn Linnets in July. He never played for Linnets and signed for 1874 only a month later.
Central midfielder Fenton Green is another product of Crewe’s youth system and he had spells at Hyde United and Stockport Town last term. The 19 year old has scored 2 goals in 20 appearances this year for the Greens.
Former title winning Red’s keeper Tony Aghayere, seems to have won the battle for the number one spot with youngster Ellis Allan. Tony came through Burnley’s academy and left Colne for Salford City. He is in now his 5th season at the club.
1874 Northwich are joint managed by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison. They have been in charge since March 2017.
Last time out for the Reds - 11th placed Witton Albion were the visitors to Holt House as the Reds caught up with one of their games in hand. Glenn Steel was injured and was replaced by Harry Winstanley in what was the only change from Saturday’s home game with leaders Macclesfield. Jake Wallace moved over to play on the right hand side of midfield and Oli Roberts played a more defensive role on the left. Witton kicking downhill from the off, were quickly on the front foot and their pressure paid off after only 9 minutes when young striker Joe Duckworth headed the Albs in front. Colne hit back and after a few half chances, a through ball from Roberts on 25 minutes found Lusiama and his shot hit the keeper’s trailing leg and bounced goalwards. Albion’s left back Taylor Kennerley chased back and looked like he’d hooked the ball away just in time, but the linesman and referee decided the ball had crossed the line and the Reds had their equaliser. Both sides had good chances as the action swung from end to end for the rest of the 1st 45 and continued into the 2nd half. Albion’s midfielder and former Red Prince Haywood, who’d been booked earlier for a silly dive received a second yellow for a late challenge 15 minutes from the end and was dismissed. Tom McCann then entered the frame replacing Jake Wallace, as the Reds pressed on trying to take advantage of the extra man. But the Witton defence held firm and the 1-1 draw gave Colne a point to move them up 2 places to 16th and out of the relegation play off places. Oli Roberts, who grew into the game at left wing back, had an excellent, influential second half, which tipped the balance in his favour for man of the match.
Who’s on Ashh’s couch? - McDaniel “Danny” Kyobe is recovering from a fractured collar bone and he has been back in full training and came through a full college game, so he should be now available for selection.
Owen Watkinson has a slight hamstring issue and will need a fitness test on the day to determine his participation.
Glenn Steel had to come off last Saturday, due to a sprained ankle and cracked rib and he’ll be unavailable.
New signing Ben Anderson is still unavailable due to a lower back injury and sciatica. He’ll likely need a few sessions with Ashh’s magic hands before he’s ready.
Luke Stowe is still nursing a hamstring injury and although he’s improved he’ll be out for another 3 to 4 weeks and brought back slowly.
Aaron Turner is still awaiting a scan, concerning his meniscus knee issue.
Hakan Burton is well ahead with his rehabilitation, which may well see him return sooner than first thought. The Colne keeper is now joining in with light training.
Jack Doherty is still awaiting surgery for his ACL injury, that will rule him out for the season.
Team news - Harry Winstanley is likely to deputise in central defence after playing 90 minutes on Tuesday night, Paul Dugdale is also available for a defensive role. McDaniel Kyobe could be an option if Owen Watkinson has to miss out, and if the gaffer wishes to carry on with 3 up front. More likely a midfield of 5 with the addition of Tom McCann joining Knox and Carney central with Roberts and Wallace continuing on the left and right. Wallbank and Kardacz should be available for the squad.
Loan watch - Both Matty Kardacz and Ellis Wallbank are on a dual registration with Padiham and Longridge Town respectively to help them get more game time. Matty played virtually a full game on Tuesday night for Padiham as they lost narrowly to Vauxhall Motors 0-1 at home in the North West Counties Premier league. Padiham are due to play on Friday evening this week, so Matty should be available for the bench on Saturday for the Reds. Ellis Wallbank was due to play for Longridge Town on Wednesday evening away at Northwich Victoria, but that game was called off 15 minutes before kick off due to a frozen pitch. Longridge don’t have a game on Saturday so Ellis will be available for the Reds.
1874 Northwich, who had a great start to the season, have now lost 5 out of their last 7 league games and have fallen away from the play off places. Last Saturday they were beaten 0-2 away at Bootle where their keeper Aghayere was their man of the match. They’ve only lost twice at home this season to Glossop and Hanley Town, but those 2 losses have come in their last 3 games at Townfield. Colne have now lost just once in their last 7 league encounters and they have only lost twice away from home in the league this campaign. Despite their drop down the table, the ‘74 still try to play football and are very dangerous at set plays, but if the Reds can keep Joe Woolley quiet and get their forward men more clinical in front of goal, there’s no reason Phil Brown’s men can’t take advantage of 1874 Northwich’s recent slump, and pick up all 3 points and continue their rise up the table.
Admission Prices are:
Adults : £10
Concessions (over 65’s) £6
12 - 17’s: £1
Under 12's: Free
Upcoming games
Tues 13th December - Colne v Workington - 19:45 NPL West
Sat 17th December - Kidsgrove Athletic v Colne - 15:00 NPL West
Sat 26th December - Colne v Clitheroe - 15;00 NPL West
Today’s other NPL West game - 15:00
City of Liverpool v Hanley Town - 13:00
Clitheroe v Widnes
Glossop North End v Skelmersdale United
Kidsgrove Athletic v Trafford - 14:00
Macclesfield v Ramsbottom United
Mossley v Witton Albion
Prescot Cables v Leek Town
Runcorn Linnets v Newcastle Town
Workington V Bootle
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