Town fall in Macron Cup final
RUNCORN Town were beaten by 1874 Northwich in the long-delayed 2020 Macron Cup final.
A bumper crowd were treated to a thrilling game, but it was 1874 who came out on top with a 6-3 victory.
Scott McGowan opened the scoring for 1874 on eight minutes, firing home after good work from Jake Parker. But Town responded instantly with an equaliser from Craig Cairns – racing clear of the defence and finishing low past the keeper.
Midway through the half Callum Gardner gave 1874 the lead again, collecting Lee Jackson’s cross, cutting inside and firing past Adam Reid in the Town goal.
Town equalised early in the second half when debutant Ben Greenop tapped home after a shot was parried by 1874 keeper Tony Aghayere.
But within five minutes 1874 were back in front when Matt Woolley’s header was saved by Reid and McGowan was on hand to stab home the rebound.
On 72 minutes Town were down to 10 men after Shaun Weaver was sent off for a second yellow card.
The Town substitute had been booked in the first half and a clumsy challenge on Woolley led to his dismissal.
1874 took advantage of their numerical superiority and doubled their lead on 77 minutes. John Shaw diverted Jake Parker’s cross into his own net with McGowan breathing down his neck waiting to pounce.
On 86 minutes it was 5-2. Sam Hare advanced towards the box and fed Woolley who fired into the far corner. As in the first half, Town responded within 60 seconds – Tom Ruffer’s shot was saved and Craig Cairns was on the spot to poke in his second of the game.
But it was 1874’s leading scorer McGowan who had the last word, completing his hat-trick in injury time to make it 6-3.
l FOUR more of last season’s squad have signed on for the new season at Town.
Midfielder Niall Holmes and full-back Ellis Jones made a big impact in the Town youth team last year.
The 18-year-olds were brought into the first team squad for the St Luke’s Cup at end of the season and Ellis in particular was one of the stand-out performers.
Both were part of the youth set-up at Tranmere
Rovers before also signing on with Town in December 2020.
Forward Francois Antoine has also signed on for the 2021/22 season.
The 21-year-old has made 18 appearances so far for Town, scoring four times. He was on target during last week’s pre-season friendly against Lostock Gralam.
Midfielder Joe Blackham, 19, has also signed for the season. He made five appearances in the St Luke’s Cup and did enough to earn a place in the squad for 2021/22.
His previous clubs include Tranmere Rovers and Lower Breck.