SUZANNE Brandon cuts out a newspaper story when it mentions her husband scoring a goal.

Each one goes into a scrapbook for their daughter, born 18 months ago, to look at when she is older.

The latest entry will be one of the most cherished.

Mike Brandon, already guaranteed a place in 1874 Northwich folklore after claiming their first league goal, reached another milestone the weekend before last.

His headed effort in a 1-1 draw with Ashton Athletic marked the 50th time he has hit the net, although the 34-year-old admits he didn’t realise until after the final whistle.

“I usually keep count,” he said.

“But I didn’t know the importance of that one until a fan told me in the bar later.

“It’s not too bad for a guy my age is it?”

Brandon has needed only 80 games, of which he has started 67, to reach a half-century of goals.

The former Middlewich, Winsford and Alsager striker hit 37 of those during the club’s debut season.

He has started fewer matches this time around, but has remained prolific.

“Last year was one of my best,” he added.

“I scored often for Middlewich, but to do the same in the North West Counties League is more difficult.

“The fans here expect a lot, though when they get behind the team it creates a buzz. It makes you give an extra 10 or 15 per cent out as a player.

“I live locally too, so know how important it is to them when we do well. Supporters like it when they can brag, wherever they are.”

Brandon, watched most weeks by his parents, has been part of the wider 1874 Northwich family from the start.

His teammates call him ‘Trigger’, after a character from popular British television sitcom Only Fools and Horses, though it does not deter him from making them laugh in the dressing room.

He said: “I’m the joker, I always have been.

“If a prank has been played, then usually I’m to blame.

“They’re a good bunch though, even the young whippersnappers I can’t keep up with.”    

Brandon’s name was one of the first written by manager Ian Street on the teamsheet last season.

He featured in every game.

But the arrival of baby Everleigh, just four days after he had scored in 1874’s inaugural league game against Oldham Boro, has changed his approach to playing football.

“Suzanne works away sometimes, which makes trying to get to training much harder,” he said.

“The gaffer is great, and understands, while we get help from family and friends.

“But he’s made the squad stronger this year, and I’ve had to fight more for a place.

“It probably takes me a day or two longer to recover after games too, so it’s not a surprise I don’t start every game.

“I definitely want to carry on though, and feel fit at the moment.

“We’ve got a lot of games coming up too, so everybody will be needed at some point.”

Before kick off at St Helens on Tuesday, 1874 occupied fourth place in the Premier Division with 18 games left.

Leaders Runcorn Linnets were 30 points better off, but had played eight more matches. 

Brandon said: “We’re not concentrating too much on that at the moment. 

“The season has turned into a marathon for us, so we have to think game-by-game."

“The lads haven’t given up, and playing two games a week gives us a chance to close the gap if we can get on a run.

“Let’s see what happens if we do.”

Should 1874 get on a roll, Brandon’s goals are certain to be a reason why.

He has a dozen in the league already this season, so Suzanne’s scissors have been used often.

That scrapbook need not be closed just yet.