1874 NORTHWICH can be forgiven for feeling trepidation ahead of a trip to Brantingham Road, where they have yet to win on three previous visits.
The teams’ first meeting was in the League Challenge Cup in March 2014 when Neil Chappell, who would later play sign for Ian Street’s side, was on target for the hosts in a 3-1 victory.
Stuart Wellstead replied for 1874, then playing in the North West Counties League’s second tier during their debut season.
A 3-0 defeat followed in the return.
Connor Hughes, a scorer on his return to Maine Road in a draw at Barnoldswick last week, has been a thorn in 1874’s side since.
He claimed the winner in a maiden league encounter between the rivals at the Manchester venue in January 2015.
And he went one better last term, finding the net twice during the opening quarter of an hour during a 4-2 success.
Tyler Edwards added a double late on after Matthew Beadle’s goal had temporarily restored parity at 2-2.
The wide man impressed so much that Street signed him afterwards.
1874 Northwich full-back Paul Connor attempts to avoid contact with a Maine Road player during last season's league meeting at Brantingham Road. Picture: M Darlington Photography
1874 do know what it’s like to see off Maine Road, and sent them out of the FA Cup during at the extra preliminary round during a Sunday clash at Barton Stadium in August 2014.
A 4-2 victory followed later the same season, while the sides have yet to meet in the league this term.
Head-to-head
March 31, 2014
League Challenge Cup semi-final first leg
Maine Road 3-1 1874 Northwich
April 12 2014
League Challenge Cup semi-final second leg
1874 Northwich 0-3 Maine Road (at Winsford United FC)
August 17 2014
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
1874 Northwich 2-1 Maine Road (at Winsford United FC)
October 18 2014
North West Counties League Premier Division
1874 Northwich 4-2 Maine Road (at Winsford United FC)
January 3 2015
North West Counties League Premier Division
Maine Road 1-0 1874 Northwich
September 19 2015
North West Counties League Premier Division
1874 Northwich 1-2 Maine Road (at Winsford United FC)
February 27 2016
North West Counties League Premier Division
Maine Road 4-2 1874 Northwich
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here