We should have seen it coming…

1874 Northwich played five ties on a run to the FA Cup third qualifying round last season, and four of them went to a replay.

It was a fact not lost on co-manager Paul Bowyer when he spoke to the Guardian following the final whistle.

A draw was probably about right for what unfolded on the field; Burscough were efficient to punish two glaring defensive errors by their guests to establish a 2-0 lead.

The Linnets’ threat in the second-half was only sporadic, and they were grateful to hear the final whistle after withstanding late pressure following Scott McGowan’s equaliser.

In praise of Matthew Woolley

The 1874 captain’s performance was a microcosm of his team’s.

He was robbed of possession by Terry Cummings in the build-up to Burscough’s opener, but gritted his teeth afterwards.

Woolley was rewarded for doing exactly what his opponent had done, anticipating an error and finding the net, to make it 2-1 before the break.

His influence grew in the second-half and one pass, struck first-time to send Sam Freakes scampering up the left wing, to launch a counter-attack was the best of the match.

When in trouble, a side look to their leaders for guidance.

Northwich Guardian:

1874 Northwich captain Matthew Woolley flicks on a corner at the near post during his side's FA Cup encounte with Burscough on Saturday. Picture: Ian Dutton

Having a Plan B

A talking point last week, 1874 again switched to a three-man defence when Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison sent on a second striker to try and change the course of a game.

This time they turned to Kyle Riley, and the former Winsford front man made an impact.

Bowyer told the Guardian afterwards that they needed more time in training to work on the system’s details and movements, and that they’d rather turn to it on their own terms – and not only when they’re forced.

Callum Gardner’s versatility helps too, and his move to a central position meant he was in place to deliver a perfectly-weighted pass for McGowan’s goal.

A new face between the posts

1874 completed the signing of Matthew Green, a goalkeeper who finished last season with landlords Winsford United, in time to face Burscough.

He took the place of Josh Samberg, who missed out on playing against his former club following a shaky debut last Saturday.

Green was more assured in comparison, and stayed calm despite conceding twice – about which he could do nothing – inside the opening quarter of an hour.

His distribution, kicking long with his left foot or throwing a distance to the wing, was a highlight of an encouraging first appearance.

He ought to have done enough to keep his place for the replay.

Northwich Guardian:

Matthew Green made an encouraging debut in goal for 1874 Northwich when they met Burscough in an FA Cup extra preliminary round encounter on Saturday. Picture: Ian Dutton

And what about the pitch?

Let’s just say it didn’t help the players put on a show.

It will be interesting to monitor the reaction of other visiting teams throughout the course of the campaign.