THRILLER KICKS OFF CUP MAGIC
Vics battle back in derby-day epic...
SCOTT McGowan’s brace was not enough to send 1874 Northwich into the next round as Jordan Cobley’s late strike meant both sides would need to do it again.
The deadlock was broken in less than five minutes. Taylor Kennerley got the better of Vics’ Danny McDonald, who pulled him back. Referee Kristian Silcock pointed to the spot and Scott McGowan converted into the bottom left corner.
1874 nearly went two up shortly after, but Adam Whitlock missed his kick and McGowen blazed over this time.
The game had started brightly.
1874 nearly shot themselves in the foot when Benjamin Woods’ header fell short of keeper Greg Hall. Sam Marshall nearly slotted home, but couldn’t guide past Hall.
But the away side were still on top and Whitlock got the better of Vics’ captain Reece Lyndon, and his powerful volley was excellently saved by Richie Mottram in the Vics’ goal.
From the resulting corner a goalmouth melee saw the ball hit the Vics’ post. 1874 were on top despite shooting up the Barnton hill in the first period. After a quiet 15 minutes, 1874’s Sam Hind found himself free in the area but dragged his shot wide. Then 1874’s Paul Connor lashed out at Sam Marshall. Referee Silcock took his time, consulted with the linesman, and Connor saw red. Northwich Victoria started the second half brightly – Brian Matthews volleying against the post after Stuart McDonald’s cross. It was a combination that would soon prove deadly.
On the hour came the moment of the match – 1874’s Whitlock rose highest in the penalty area to find McGowan, whose lob over Mottram was exquisite.
Then against the run of play and after good work from Olly Walker, Stuart McDonald crossed for Vics’ striker Brian Matthews to nod past Hall.
The home side were back in the game and they began to play like they had the extra man.
It wasn’t long before the extra man counted. Only on the pitch for a minute, Vics’ Cobley latched onto a ball from the back. He held off his marker and drilled it home.
It was an equaliser that looked unlikely only 20 minutes earlier.
Walker and Matthews both went close from the edge of the area and 1874’s Sam Hind headed against the crossbar, but the game ended even. The home side’s performance in the last half hour of the game earning them a replay.
Vics’ manager Paul Moore was delighted with his team’s fight back. “That first goal was so important and we got it, then I just went for it, sent Jordan Cobley on and he slams it home with his first touch.”
1874 co-manager Wayne Goodison felt the sending off for Paul Connor was justified, but praised his team.
“It’s a silly decision from our player, so we feel the referee was right.
“We’re one–nil up playing ok and that put us on the back foot.
“Second half with ten men I thought we did really well and worked hard.”
THIS keenly fought encounter was settled by a first-half Dave Reynolds header as Worcester City go on to face Chasetown in the next round of the FA Cup.
Both sides have had memorable runs in the competition in recent times, with Worcester City having won at Coventry City three years ago only to lose 14-13 on penalties to Scunthorpe in the second round, while Daventry were unlucky not to take Chesterfield back to Communications Park for a first round replay the season before.
Both teams created plenty of chances with the first falling to Cit’s player manager Lee Hughes after just three minutes.
The former West Brom striker made room for himself before firing just wide of Anthony O’Connor’s left post.
Town were not overawed by the side who played in the National League North only last season, though, and a snap shot from midfielder Phil Cassidy was deflected wide for the first of six first-half corners.
O’Connor then was quickly off his line in the eighth minute to smother the ball at the feet of Reynolds.
And Town’s third corner on the tenth minute was headed just over the bar by Kieran Fitzgerald, playing his first game after returning to the club after two seasons away.
New signing Peter Dearle, arriving this week from Notts County, was unlucky with a
header that looped over the bar from another Town corner on 17 minutes.
Daventry appealed for a penalty in the 23rd minute as Fitzgerald went down in the box, but the referee waved away their calls and Worcester City broke with Hughes having his shot blocked by O’Connor.
The game then turned as Town were forced into a change after Dean Lukeman picked up a serious-looking knee injury.
Shortly after, Worcester City took a quick free-kick, found Aaron Griffiths and his cross was headed home by Dave Reynolds from close range.
Both keepers made good saves in the second half, O’Connor’s being the pick of the bunch as he tipped Shabir Khan’s header over the bar in the 55th minute.
With Matt Gwynne making fines stops from Adam Confue, Riko Alexander and Kieran Fitzgerald to deny Daventry an equaliser.
Man of the match Dearle was unlucky to pick up a second yellow in the final minute.
Town’s joint manager Arron Parkinson said: “There were loads of positives from the game. Their keeper made several good saves but credit to Worcester City, who on the day were worthy winners.” STAR MAN: Peter Dearle (Daventry) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★