Match Report: 1874 Northwich vs. Cheadle Town - Cheshire Senior Cup (2nd Round)

Under the floodlights at 1874 Northwich's shared ground with Barnton FC, both teams battled for a place in the next round of the Cheshire Senior Cup. The victor set to face Runcorn Linnets FC in the third round and join the likes of League 2 sides Tranmere Rovers and Crewe Alexandra, who have also secured their place.

1874 Northwich currently sit 4th in the Midland League after last season's relegation from the Northern Premier League Division One West, while Cheadle Town are 13th in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. The two sides had not met since October 2022 in the FA Vase, where 1874 Northwich knocked out the Stockport-based side 1-0 at home.

Cheadle Town, who have previously won the Cheshire Senior Cup in 2020 with a 3-2 win over Warrington Town, were eager to continue their cup run.

The game was a close affair, with 1874 Northwich taking the lead in the 4th minute, only for Cheadle Town to respond quickly with two goals. Northwich brought the game level with a late equaliser to make it 2-2, sending the match to penalties. 1874 emerged victorious, winning 4-3 on spot-kicks.

1874 Northwich were not rattled by Cheadle Town’s early pressure and swiftly built an attack from their own half with a well-taken finish from Weir to give the hosts an early lead.

Despite the setback, Cheadle Town looked to respond and began to assert themselves in the game. The referee’s decisions on a few tight offside calls seemed to frustrate 1874 Northwich, with the game looking to get interesting.

Cheadle came close to equalising midway through the half when a long ball from the halfway line found the feet of an onrushing attacker. Keeper Shorthouse remained calm and handled the situation, denying the visitors a clear chance.

It wasn’t long before Cheadle got their equaliser, though, as Servuts bundled the ball over the line in the 34th minute, following a neat assist from Lewis.

Northwich had a few opportunities to regain the lead before the interval, but Cheadle’s defence stood firm, and the score remained level at the break.

Cheadle Town made a few tactical substitutions early in the second half, which seemed to stabilise their play and they were fortunate to avoid giving away a penalty. Impact sub Khan was key to keeping the score level, making a number of crucial clearances to prevent 1874 from capitalising on some dangerous chances.

Cheadle then regained the lead in the 69th minute, with a well-worked move down the right. The ball was whipped across to Lewis, who calmly slotted it home to make it 2-1. It appeared as though the game was heading towards a Cheadle victory

1874 Northwich weren’t done yet. In the 82nd minute, Fitzpatrick beat the defence to power home a diving header, bringing the game level once again and the match ended 2-2.

With the game going to penalties, Cheadle Town stepped up first. Shorthouse pulled off a stunning save, diving to his left to deny the opener.

Northwich, remaining composed under pressure, took the lead with Weir calmly slotting his penalty straight down the middle.

Cheadle quickly pulled one back, but 1874 Northwich responded with their second - maintaining their advantage. Cheadle’s third penalty was successfully converted, making it 2-2, but with both teams feeling the tension, both Clarke and Shorthouse made successive saves.

Northwich stepped up to take their last, and in front of their home end they buried it confidently. The stadium erupted as 1874 Northwich sealed a 4-3 victory in the shoot-out, sending them through to the next round while Cheadle Town exited the competition.

1874 will look to beat the Runcorn Linnets in the third round, although the Cheshire club have proved a challenge before for the club.

January 28th Townfield attendance - 111