Outsiders
13 AUGUST 2016
NWCFL PREMIER DIVISION
SQUIRES GATE 4-1 1874 NORTHWICH
@ SCHOOL ROAD, BLACKPOOL
ATT: 185
Finally the league season got underway for every club following the scheduling farce of the FA Cup, and whilst a few teams, including today's visitors 1874 Northwich, had already played a league game (4-2 win at Congleton Town), the hosts Squires Gate were left with a blank week due to cup replays. Would the rest suit Gate or keeping active favour '74'?
I chose this match as I was long overdue a visit to a number of grounds, Cammell Laird 1907 and Padiham ticked off in the week, a trip to the seaside was appealing, especially when you get a side like 1874 in town. Following my usual short hop into Manchester from Urmston I had decided to change at Preston and take the less popular route to Squires Gate station.
Preston had the usual mix of Skyball fans milling about, a lot nicer this way than the return when a skin full of beer and sometimes a defeat later they decide to make the general public pay for it, delightful. Alighting at Squires Gate it is a 40 minute stroll or 30 if you are walking with purpose to School Road. As with my last visit there was a game next door at Wren Rovers so even at 2pm the car park was full to bursting.
As the sides warmed up in the sunshine, a rare sight greeted the non-league world, a hatless Wayne Goodison was out with his side including the brand new signing, Shelton Payne. Whilst much travelled this season must be a record for Shelton, who was on the bench for the third different club in a matter of days.
1874 Northwich started on the front foot and could have had a couple before Squires Gate took the lead after 8 minutes, when Stayte volleyed into the roof of the net after an 1874 defender turned his back on a cross, the ball rebounding nicely for the winger to smash home. The goal gave the hosts a confidence boost and they came into the game more, especially on the break, something that 74 failed to cope with all afternoon.
Chances came and went at both ends and whilst the visitors had more of the ball their final ball was often wasteful and when it wasn't their finishing was. Gregg Hall attempted to recreate his moment of madness from the match against Barnton and gift a goal as his forwards tried to find a way past Carroll and Penswick. One effort direct from a corner I still have no idea how it finished wide of the goal. This was turning into a cracker.
H-T: SQUIRES GATE 1-0 1874 NORTHWICH
Minutes after the restart and the visitors probably thought they were in for another second half comeback, losing 2-0 to Congleton Town in midweek they had finished the winners by a 4-2 scoreline. Full-back Conner crossing for Tom Bailey, one of the ex-Glossopian contingent, to head in at the far post.
Another couple or so minutes later and 1874 fell to the counter-attack again, the speed with which Gate got forward was fantastic and Ric Seear picked up the ball on the left wing, cutting inside and letting one fly into the opposite top corner, Hall beaten all ends up. Again the pattern of play was all huff and puff at one end, breaking with pace and purpose at the other, for me it was only going to end one way.
A rare Gate corner was cleared by the visitors in the 70th minute and as both sides came out the blues won the ball back and a cross was played in to the near post, Seear swung his left foot and missed it but managed to control the ball, what came next was sublime. With very little threat from an acute angle, Seear pirouetted and curled the ball past Hall into the far corner. Superb goal.
Things were wrapped up in added on, as Squires Gate struck again on the break, this time it was Noblet with the good finish, chipping Hall from 25 yards out and therefore completing a fantastic week for Gate.
F-T: SQUIRES GATE 4-1 1874 NORTHWICH
Back to the train station, change at Preston where Blackburn Rovers fans were covering themselves in drunken glory and home. A great day out at a club where I have received a wonderfully warm welcome from the ladies behind the bar, thank you. I will be back soon.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Ric Seear - Edged it over a few Gate players with his second goal, great finish.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Greg Hall's colourful tirade and post kicking exploits following Sguire Gates second.
SOUNDTRACK: Night Thoughts - Suede
CASH: Gate - £6, Programme - Not produced (technical reasons), Brew - £1
STAT OF THE DAY: Nine matches for me this season and only AFC Liverpool at West Didsbury & Chorlton have avoided defeat as an away side.
