1874 Northwich beat West Didsbury & Chorlton in friendly

The goals for the visitors came in the first period from Kenzy O’Neill and Joe Woolley.

Prior to the match, 1874 were pleased to welcome four new signings with Henry Limpitshi-Bongwanga, Manuel Dio Parra, Tyreece Davies and Jeanny Leblanc-Akpo joining the first team squad.

On a damp day in Chorlton, a good crowd of 225 saw both teams start quickly with early chances coming for West’s Dante Gabbidon and 1874’s Jack Irlam.

Then on 26 minutes, some fine play by Jamie Reed led to O’Neill almost scoring for the visitors before being ruled just offside.

The first goal came when a fine Joe Woolley break saw the home defence sliced open for in-form O’Neill to coolly score on 41 minutes.

Mackenzie O'Neill celebrates his goal against West Didsbury & Chorlton

The second goal for 1874 soon came when the dangerous Woolley went on a silky run past three defenders and smoothly shot past the home keeper.

Then, seconds before the break, 1874 almost grabbed a third goal but O’Neill saw his strong shot hit the side netting.

The second half provided plenty of good flowing football, with West Didsbury almost pulling a goal back after 55 minutes with an angled shot from Gabbidon from the corner of the box.

Both teams made substitutions and were looking dangerous going forward, with Woolley for 1874 and home defender Ben Thompson unlucky not to add to the score.

However, it was West that grabbed a goal in the 63rd minute as Thompson hit a perfect corner for home midfielder Connor Hamer to head confidently past the 1874 substitute keeper Tony Aghayere.

Despite end-to-end play from both sides in the final minutes, the score stayed the same.

Pictures and report courtesy of Luke Reynolds