
Andrew’s Match Preview
Colne v 1874 Northwich
NPL West
Holt House - 15:00
Saturday 17th September
Colne welcome Cheshire based, 1874 Northwich to Holt House for the 2nd time this season.
1874 Northwich finished in 12th spot last season, a couple of places above the Reds. The honours were even in the head to head, with Colne winning 2-1 at Townfield, thanks to goals from Hasler-Cregg and Webb-Foster, cancelling out an opener from Ashley Woods. The return at Holt House saw an emphatic 4-0 win for Northwich, with 2nd half goals form Reed and Kennerley and 2 penalties dispatched by Matthew Woolley.
1874 are unbeaten in the league so far this term with 1 win and 5 draws. A goalless home game against Prescot Cables on the opening day of the season was followed by a 3-3 classic, away at Kidsgrove Athletic. First-half strikes from Irlam, Reed and Green were cancelled out in an 11 minute spell in the 2nd half as Athletic fought back to salvage a point. An excellent 3-1 victory at Clitheroe with 2 goals from Joe Woolley and the other from Joshua Quarless, was backed up with another goalless home draw against high flying Leek Town. Joe Woolley was on the scoresheet once more in a 1-1 stalemate at home to Ramsbottom United, and yet another point was gained away at Newcastle Town in a 2-2 draw, with goals coming from MacKenzie O’Neill and Isaac Noble. The Greens currently sit in 9th place in the league with 8 points from 6 games.
1874 Northwich were the 1st side to visit Holt House this season, in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup, back in August. 238 fans saw a closely fought encounter, with Colne narrowly coming out on top. Owen Watkinson opened the scoring for the home side, but 1874 hit back with an equaliser from Joe Woolley. A Jack Doherty header from a corner restored the home side’s lead and despite late pressure from Northwich, including 2 efforts striking the woodwork, the Reds hung on and progressed to the next round, 2-1. The Greens’ latest game was on Tuesday evening, when they travelled to Shawbridge to take on Clitheroe in the FA Trophy. Despite taking the lead through a Billy Priestley own goal, the Greens conceded an equaliser when Jack Marrow put through his own net and Ross Dent then scored the winner to put the Blues through to the next round.

1874 Northwich players to watch - Right winger Joe Woolley has been the Greens’ danger man this term. He’s already scored 4 times in all competitions, including a goal at Holt House in the FA Cup. His older brother Matt is the club captain and is already ‘74’s longest serving player, making his debut back in 2014. 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, whilst former title winning Red’s keeper Tony Aghayere, is fighting for the number one spot with youngster Ellis Allan. 1874 Northwich are joint managed by Paul Bowyer and Paul Goodison.
Colne have 5 points from 6 games, currently sitting 17th in the league, after moving up a place when beating bottom side City of Liverpool 2-1 in their last league encounter, with goals from Bradley Knox and Owen Watkinson.
The Reds made the long journey to East Yorkshire on Tuesday night to take on NPL East side Bridlington Town in the FA Trophy. A familiar opening period saw Colne take the game to their opponents and it was rewarded with a goal on 8 minutes, when a through ball from Glenn Steel picked out Lucas Weaver on the wide left, and his cross was finished in an accurate strike from Owen Watkinson. Some excellent keeping from the Brid keeper James Hitchcock kept the score at 1-0 in what was a dominant half for the Reds. The home side had a bit more possession in the 2nd period, but a counter attack from Colne saw Lucas Weaver round and beat the keeper only to see his effort come back off the upright. Jack Doherty though did not miss when his opportunity came from a Craig Carney pass in the 80th minute. He raced on and made no mistake to put Colne 2-up. Town’s young striker Ali Aydemir, scored a consolation goal for the hosts 3 minutes from time to make it 1-2 , but it was the young Lions who progressed to the next round and they will face another NPL East side in Consett AFC, at Holt House next Saturday, in the 2nd qualifying round.
Who’s on Ashh’s couch? - Burton, and Winstanley remain unfit. Charlie Russell is back in full training. No other injuries to report.
Team news - The only change on Tuesday night was Ezio de Santis, who came in for Jack Doherty in the number 10 role. Those two, along with Harry Jones will be vying for that position come Saturday. Matty Kardacz may well be back in contention for a centre back role after missing the last two games. Charlie Russell is just short of game time now and could feature from the bench. Phil Brown should have 16 to choose from, with Mike Hale hopefully back as number two to loan keeper Andre Felipe da Silva Mendes.
Phil Brown will be eager to push on after back to back 2-1 victories in the last two matches. Another dominant display on Tuesday night can only enhance the young improving Reds’ confidence. The two marksmen up front - Owen Watkinson and Lucas Weaver - are really linking up well and continuing to catch the eye, with Jack Doherty impressing and giving the manager choices to make.

The experience from the back is now starting to show significant improvement, with another Rolls Royce performance at Bridlington from man of the match, Glenn Steel. 1874 Northwich are unbeaten in the league thus far this season, but they will be mindful that they returned to Cheshire with nothing to show from their visit to Holt House only five weeks ago. Another close game in this extremely competitive division is expected, but there’s no reason the Reds cannot continue their improved performances and become the first side to take all three points from the visitors.
Upcoming games
Tue 20th September - AFC Blackpool v Colne - 19:45 Lancashire Cup
Sat 24th September - Colne v Consett AFC - 15:00 FA Trophy
Sat 1st October - Runcorn Linnets v Colne - 15:00 NPL West
Sat 8th October - Witton Albion v Colne - 15:00 NPL West
Today’s other NPL West games - 15:00
Bootle v Workington
Skelmersdale United v Glossop North End
Trafford v Kidsgrove Athletic
Witton Albion v Mossley
Admission Prices are:
Adults £9
Concessions £6
Under 16's £1
Under 12’s FREE
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