1874 Northwich (25-07-2015)

1874 Northwich 2 - 2 Sheffield United U21 (Saturday 25 July 2015), Friendly

Train £13

Programme £1

Magazine £1

Tea x2 £2

Entry £6

Total £23

Football is back! After a 2-month absence, I was back on the hopping trail at Winsford, watching 1874 Northwich. From Sheffield, the town is one of the trickier North West grounds to access via public transport, taking three trains, and relying on an hourly service from Crewe. To tackle any potential delays, I arrived just after 1p.m., and had a chance to explore the area. I headed to Winsford Flash, a fishing hotspot on the River Weaver, and had a pleasant wander through some meadows. There was not much in the town apart from a few distinctive red-brick buildings, so as I headed to the ground.

What a cracker! The stadium had previously been used as a greyhound track so the edge of the pitch was bounded by an oval of grass, and the walk way at either end swept up presumably for a good vantage point. I asked for a programme at the hut next to the turnstile but they had scout so I was directed to speak to Derek and Pam outside the courtship. Derek seemed to be the boss in these parts, and he was sat next to a table covered in team sheets and a clipboard. I managed to obtain a programme, adding it to the new 'Non League Magazine' I'd purchased at the turnstile. This was a friendly club, where people seemed willing to help and happy to chat.

For the first half I took up my place opposite the main seating area, towards the end being attacked by the Blades. For the first 20 minutes or so it looked like the away side would romp to a win today. Joel Costrain tapped in on 3 minutes after the United winger had latched onto a loose pass back. In the middle of the park, United seemed sharper and had at least a yard advantage in most situations. 1874 still carried a threat and Aiden Haughton was causing endless problems for the away defence. Ryan Jackson forced a great tip over by the United keeper, drawing applause from both sets of fans. Then as if to nullify any threat, United doubled their lead when Cockerling slotted in after a swift move from the left. But 1874 slowly and surely began to get a foothold in the game, mainly through sheer will and determination. The excellent Haughton scored a poachers goal at the far post to make it 2-1. He then scored a fantastic equaliser from inside the box, rifling a shot high into the roof of the net and off the crossbar. Wow!

The second half was characterised by some physical challenges in midfield, but fewer clear cut chances. Constrain's early effort was saved by the Northwich keeper, but apart from that there was little to report in terms of chances. 1874's Ryan Jackson and Paul Connor made surging runs and at times outclassed their more illustrious opponents. The game did suddenly open up late on when the Sheffield United 14 curled a great shot narrowly wide with his right foot. And very late on, Connor volleyed across the area but nobody was there for 1874. 2-2 was a fair result, and I have to say I was impressed throughout with the workrate and energy of the home side. Cracking club and a good game to start my new season.