Advantage Thatcham, but who is happier?
There was a clear dichotomy after the game represented by the reaction from both camps.
Thatcham are, of course, happy to travel north next weekend with a 1-0 lead.
However that satisfaction is diluted by a sensation that they ought to have scored more goals.
Shane Cooper-Clark was flawless in every facet of his game except the one he has been lauded most for – shooting.
And the Kingfishers knew it.
1874 Northwich, on the other hand, felt some relief to have restricted the home team to a single score.
Theirs, in an attacking sense, was an uncharacteristically tepid performance.
It is hard to envisage a repeat in front of a bumper crowd at Wincham Park.
From a shaky start to a strong(er) finish
Goals change games, as the saying goes.
Ross Cook’s fourth-minute penalty set the tone for what followed, and was as settling for Thatcham as it was disorientating for their guests.
1874 wobbled, and toiled to steady themselves, leaving Cooper-Clark to make hay in the meantime.
His understanding with Cook was central to the Kingfishers’ best moments before the former succumbed to a hamstring strain that may keep him out of the second leg.
It was noticeable though that 1874’s stamina was superior, and the home team – who had worked hard to shackle their guests’ attacking players – faded badly in the contest’s final 20 minutes.
That could be significant next week.
Snow, sleet and an arctic wind
The game was more compelling than a peek at the weather forecast beforehand would have suggested.
Both sets of players deserve credit for that, while the playing surface at Waterside Park largely resisted the battering it took from the elements.
If the conditions suited Thatcham’s style of play better – they moved the ball swiftly from back to front before building attacks around Cooper-Clark’s hold-up play – then it was not by much.
Indeed Danny Robinson, the Kingfishers’ manager, said afterwards that he admired how the away side had kept faith with their philosophy of constructing patiently from defence.
It was a difficult day for goalkeepers, more so because of a swirling wind than a slippery ball, although neither took unnecessary risks.
Thatcham goalkeeper Chris Rackley prepares to block Sam Hind's shot during the second-half of Saturday's FA Vase semi-final first leg against 1874 Northwich. Picture: Ian Dutton
In praise of Greg Hall
The 1874 Northwich goalkeeper has repeatedly saved his most assured performances for the biggest occasions this season, and did so again.
His handling, in dreadful conditions, was bettered only by his decision-making.
The former Glossop North End number one made a string of superb saves too, principally to deny Ekow Elliott, Babs Jarra and Cooper-Clark.
Plenty in the home crowd expected a gaffe when he resumed sweeping duties – which 1874 Northwich followers of course are used to seeing – and on every occasion he cleared up with the minimum of fuss.
A mention here is due as well to the back four in front of him; they recovered from an unconvincing opening to protect their goalkeeper stoutly in the second-half, and Ryan Mitchell’s sliding tackle to thwart Cooper-Clark was worth a goal at the other end.
Goalkeeper Greg Hall was 1874 Northwich's outstanding performer during an FA Vase semi-final first-leg defeat at Thatcham on Saturday. Picture: Ian Dutton
On 1874 playing catch-up
Wayne Goodison, co-manager at Northwich, said after the game that his side has often recovered from 1-0 down this season.
They had conceded the first goal on 14 previous occasions before yesterday’s game, and have gone on to win only twice – at Maine Road in a league game and against Macclesfield Town’s under 21s in the Cheshire FA Senior Cup.
However the first half-dozen times it occurred they came back to draw every time – a result that would be enough to force extra-time in the second leg next weekend.
That leaves six defeats, although that figure requires further examination.
It includes a 2-0 reverse against higher-ranked Altrincham in the county cup and a 3-1 loss at the hands of Winsford in the Macron Cup when a single player – full-back Paul Connor – that started at Thatcham was on the field from the first minute.
Two of the other four setbacks were against Runcorn Linnets, the overwhelming favourites to win this season’s North West Counties League title.
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