3 FOOTBALL: 1874 Northwich savour first cup-final success

What? Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup final

When? April 18

Where? Wincham Park

1874 Northwich, who played their first competitive match in August 2013, lifted a first trophy after beating neighbours – and hosts – Witton Albion in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup final.

They did so comfortably too.

The game was over as a contest inside 10 minutes after goals from Matthew Beadle and Craig Farnworth left Carl Macauley’s men reeling.

Shell-shocked, Witton never looked likely to recover.

Beadle’s penalty, with five minutes left, added gloss for Ian Street’s side and their delirious supporters in a 500-strong crowd.

“Witton looked unsure about us, and that definitely helped,” said the 1874 manager.

“Perhaps we shocked them.”

He was right.

How we reported it: http://bit.ly/2i2cVme

How we Tweeted it:

Our sports writer remembers:

“A more one-sided final you will rarely see, and that was genuinely a surprise.

“Carl Macauley has made few mistakes since succeeding Scott Dundas as Witton Albion’s manager in October 2015, but his side seemed ill-prepared for fired-up opponents.

“I wrote a piece in the run-up listing the reasons why this derby was an important one, and why disparaging remarks about the competition were uncalled for.

“1874 played like they meant it, and earned a deserved reward on the night.

“It was a fitting way too for Matthew Beadle, who transferred to Colne shortly after the season had finished, to sign off a stunning two seasons with the supporter-run outfit.

“Ian Street described it as his favourite memory in charge, and the milestone of a first final success was certainly not lost on 1874’s fans.”

Northwich Guardian:

1874 Northwich players celebrate a 3-0 victory against Witton Albion in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup final in April. Picture: M Darlington Photography