FA Cup schedule highlights wider problem

ANTICIPATION made way for anti-climax.

A derby to open a new season, and a place at the next stage of the FA Cup as an added incentive to win, attracted a large crowd to Winsford.

But they saw no classic.

The game’s governing body insist they have had to bring forward the start of this edition in order to accommodate 736 entries, presenting the North West Counties League with a dilemma.

In the end, officials decided against starting their programme in July.

If there is no spare space in the calendar to avoid kicking off the campaign with an FA Cup tie on August 6, then clubs are being asked to play too many games.

Coming straight off the back of concluding pre-season, both teams – including a host of new signings – were unsurprisingly under-cooked for such a big game.

An occasion to mark Matthew Conkie’s return

THE popular goalkeeper, second to Mike Brandon before kick off in a list of 1874 Northwich’s record appearances, did not leave Barton Stadium last year in the way he wanted.

This tie marked his return, and Barnton’s number one did not disappoint.

He probably allowed himself a wry smile too when Greg Hall, his replacement between the posts for Ian Street’s side, made a mistake that led to the Villagers’ first-half equaliser.

Conkie, now 35, made a string of smart saves – most notably to deny Tom Bailey, Stuart Wellstead and Ryan Mitchell – to keep his side in the contest.

He almost provided a perfect ending for himself, getting a hand to Bailey’s low penalty.

However the ball crept into the corner, and 1874 celebrated a 2-1 victory.

Neil Chappell was sent off for what?

NOBODY emerged from an episode that preceded 1874 midfielder Neil Chappell’s dismissal with much credit.

Referee Richard Abson had stopped play to award a free kick to the home team when the ex-Maine Road man grappled for the loose ball with Barnton captain Jon Shakeshaft.

Chappell retaliated with a petulant flick to knock off his opponents’ glasses.

Abson consulted a linesman, then showed a red card for violent conduct.

Shakeshaft, who attempted to talk the match official into applying a lesser sanction, was cautioned.

A three-match suspension awaits for Chappell, likely ruling him out of a preliminary round encounter with Colne later this month.

Northwich Guardian:

1874 Northwich midfielder Neil Chappell was sent off during the second half of Saturday's FA Cup encounter with Barnton. Picture: M Darlington Photography

Matthew Beadle awaits at the next stage

AFTER scoring more than 60 goals in two seasons for 1874 Northwich, Matthew Beadle left to join Colne this summer.

And Reds, promoted to the Northern Premier League after winning the North West Counties League Premier Division title last term, will now host Ian Street’s side in the FA Cup preliminary round later this month.

As the higher-ranked team, they will likely start as favourites.

However they have prevailed against the mid Cheshire outfit only once at the XLCR Stadium in three previous meetings there.

It is still too early to measure the impact of Beadle’s departure, although his replacement Tom Bailey told the Guardian his target this term is to match his predecessor’s tally.

And he started in the best possible way, converting a penalty to secure victory on Saturday.

He also hit the net five times during pre-season.

Danny Thomas joins a select group

THE defender made his 100th start for 1874 Northwich at the weekend, an occasion he marked with a headed goal.

He is the seventh player – after Mike Brandon, Matthew Conkie, Ryan Mitchell, Matthew Ward, Matthew Woolley and Stuart Wellstead – to reach the milestone in the club’s short history.

And he expects to have to be at his best to increase that tally in the weeks ahead.

“Everybody in the squad we have now is good enough to start games,” he said last month.

“We all know we’re in competition with our mates for a place in the starting line-up, but I don’t mind.

“I think it helps stop complacency creeping in, and gives the gaffer a big problem when it comes to picking the team.”