Late arrivals show squad strength

HE didn’t intend to, but 1874 Northwich manager Ian Street named probably the strongest list of substitutes in the club’s short history for last night’s league encounter with Alsager.

Leading scorer Matthew Beadle and Matthew Ward, Premier Division player of the month for September, arrived late after they were delayed by traffic en route to Winsford.

Midfield pair Jamie Tandy and Ryan Stewart, working his way back to fitness after a long-term injury joined them on the bench.

Stuart Wellstead, who has hit the net 14 times in 39 starts, watched from the dugout too.

It did not prove too disruptive as Daley Woods, one of the home team’s stand-ins, scored a close game’s only goal.

Michael Aston, Lee Jones and David Short did not even make the match-day squad.

Northwich Guardian:

Leading scorer Matthew Beadle, who arrived late because of traffic, was among the substitutes for 1874 Northwich during last night's 1-0 home success against Alsager Town. Picture: ANNIE HILDITCH

 

A case for the defence – another clean sheet

AN opponent was shut out for the ninth time in a Premier Division game by 1874 Northwich last night.

Along with Glossop North End, they boast the best defensive record in the North West Counties League top flight after conceding only eight goals to date.

Table-toppers Runcorn Linnets, along with Glossop, boast the largest number of clean sheets with 10.

Ian Street’s side finished their maiden season in Division One with the meanest defence, breached 28 times in 36 matches.

Alsager were restricted to two chances, with goalkeeper Matthew Conkie’s smothering save to deny front man Steven Hughes when the duo came face-to-face serving to protect the hosts’ narrow lead.

 

Can they keep up the pace?

1874 Northwich have now won 11 of their past 12 league games, drawing the other, only to still find themselves a dozen points adrift of first place in the table.

Leaders Runcorn Linnets have played five more matches, but every manager will argue he prefers points on the board to playing catch-up.

If, as is expected, 1874 progress in the FA Vase at the expense of lower-ranked Ashton Town at the weekend then they could fall further behind.

Factor in the unreliability of the playing surface at Barton Stadium, and fixture congestion after Christmas could become another obstacle to overcome as they attempt to keep pace with Joey Dunn’s side.

Northwich Guardian:

How the top of the North West Counties League Premier Division looks following last night's game

 

Slender successes

IAN Street, in his post-match press conference, called on his side to be sharper in front of goal after creating enough chances to beat the Bullets comfortably.

It is the fifth league game they have won by a single goal this term, a more frequent margin of victory than any other.

“We have to convert a higher percentage of the chances we’re creating,” said the 1874 boss.

“We’ve never been a team that hands out hidings, but it’s something we need to work on.

“When it’s 1-0, you’re always wondering if they might nick something.

“It wouldn’t have been deserved if they had, but of course it’s always a danger.”

 

 

Changing shape

THE manager seems settled on a 3-5-2 shape that has brought the best out of Ryan Mitchell, converted from full back to a central defender, and wing back Paul Connor.

The same can be said for Jamie Tandy on the opposite flank, who has improved week by week.

With Mike Aston likely to feature less regularly due to work commitments, Street likely picked his strongest combination of Mitchell, Kevin McGrath and Danny Thomas against Alsager.

There was evidence they need more time to adjust, particularly during the first half when a high line would have been breached by a better quality of pass than that provided by the visitors’ midfield.

A mix-up between McGrath and Thomas led to the Bullets’ best chance too when Hughes forced Conkie to intervene.

A three-man central midfield suits Neil Chappell’s game perfectly, and his bursts forward to support front pair Michael Brandon and Woods were a constant threat.

Perhaps under-appreciated is the former Maine Road man’s eye for a pass, evident when he split the defence to put Woods clear in the second half.