THERE will be no fairytale for 1874 Northwich this time.

After reaching the FA Vase semi-finals last season, they fell at the first hurdle.

Perhaps it was inevitable too that Paul Brayson, cheered by many of their supporters during a spell with Northwich Victoria back when they followed that team, had a big part to play in tripping them up.

There are other regrets too.

1874 started promisingly, and Taylor Kennerley’s forward charge from inside his own half ended with a low shot that was too close to goalkeeper Andrew Grainger.

Callum Gardner fired high too, while at the other end the visitors enjoyed a let-off when Brayson lifted over a shot from inside the six-yard box after a free-kick dropped perfectly into his path.

 

Jack Irlam jumps highest to meet a cross before Newcastle Benfield goalkeeper Andrew Grainger during Saturday's FA Vase encounter. Picture: Ian Dutton

The 41-year-old looped a header off-target too before Jack Pritchard blocked a shot from Dennis Knight.

1874 carried a threat too, and Jack Irlam’s bouncing shot prompted Grainger to scramble to his right to turn it around an upright.

Newcastle, after making a tactical adjustment, took the lead on 59 minutes.

They moved the ball quickly to the left after it was gifted to them and James Martin’s cross was redirected into the corner by Brayson with a brilliantly-executed header.

Scott McCarthy doubled the home team’s lead in less spectacular fashion, leaping to steer a corner into the net from close-range after he was left unmarked.

Brayson threatened again when his fizzing attempt from a free-kick was repelled by Northwich custodian James Coates with a boot before Knight’s wild effort from the rebound went skywards.

 

1874 Northwich substitute Kazim Waite-Jackson lets fly as his side attempt to mount a recovery after going behind on Saturday. Picture: Ian Dutton

1874 gave little encouragement to their huge travelling support save for Grainger fielding Scott McGowan’s shot.

He had to work harder to keep out substitute Kazim Waite-Jackson’s attempt from distance.

Instead it was that man Brayson who almost had the final word when he headed over with time running out.

Newcastle | Grainger (GK), Evans, Martin, Turnbull, Robson, Slaughter, Orrell, McCarthy (Pearson 76), Brayson, Knight (Scott 89), Holmes Subs not used Heaney, Novak, Pell Goals Brayson 59, McCarthy 67 Booked Holmes, Pearson, Turnbull

1874 | Coates (GK), Connor (Tucker 67), Russell, Pritchard, Jones, Irlam, Gardner (Waite-Jackson 73), Matthew Woolley, McGowan, Hare, Kennerley Subs not used Weir, Preston, Rigby (GK) Booked Matthew Woolley

Referee Graeme Hopper

Attendance 262

Match report by Garry Clarke