FRIENDLY matches are coming thick and fast as our local sides prepare for the 2022/23 season.
On Tuesday night, 1874 Northwich drew 2-2 at Winsford United, Witton Albion lost 4-1 at home to EFL League Two side Barrow AFC, Northwich Victoria drew 0-0 at Cheadle Heath Nomads while Barnton lifted the inaugural Terry Murphy Memorial Cup with a 6-1 home success against Middlewich Town.
This Saturday, 1874 visit Cheadle Heath Nomads, 2.30pm, Witton host Stalybridge Celtic, 3pm, Vics visit AFC Blackpool, 3pm, Winsford United head to Bacup Borough.
Winsford United 2 1874 Northwich 2, by Luke Reynolds:
THE build-up to the 2022/23 season for 1874 Northwich continued with a battling 2-2 draw at Barton Stadium, with their goals both coming from the penalty spot – player-coach Jamie Reed in the first half and Matt Woolley late on.
The clash was well contested, despite both sides making numerous substitutions, in front a good crowd of 200.
A very young 1874 looked the stronger of the two teams in the first half, with some good interlinking play and pushing forward as often as they could with wing-backs Ryan Hough and Liam Buckley showing up well.
1874 won a penalty in the fifth minute and Reed powered home his shot.
Northwich keeper Ellis Allen stood up well to keep out a stinging shot from Callum Boyle.
In the final minute of the half, Ryan Challis equalised with a fine header from a pinpoint corner from Perry Burkinshaw.
Blues started the second half with more intensity and when a poor back pass was easily picked out by Jack Hart he had no trouble striking past Allen.
A powerful Boyle shot from 25 yards out almost brought Winsford a third goal but late on a mix-up in the home box saw another penalty kick awarded and substitute Matt Woolley sealed the draw.
1874: Allen, Buckley, Hough, Marrow, Trialist B, Green, O’Neill, Trialist A, Reed, Irlam, Gardiner. Subs: Ellington, Green, M Woolley, Walker, Foulds, Foulds, Woods, Noble, Aghayere, Trialist C.
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