03/09/2023
By Chris Gibbs
Chance missed as 1874 win scrappy game
With plenty of our fellow Northern Premier League West teams in FA Cup action yesterday, we had a great opportunity to break into the play-off positions at this very early stage of the season. And let’s face it we properly fluffed our lines. Our opponents 1874 Northwich were gritty and determined but this was an opportunity missed for us.
In a game of few chances, we had a great one right at the start of the game. Lewis Holdham, as he does, broke away down the wing with a rapid sprint and was bearing down on goal. He unselfishly opted to cut the ball back for a teammate to apply the finishing touch, but no-one was there quickly enough to take advantage.
An early lead then, could and probably would, have changed the complexion of the game completely but that let-off seemed to give 1874 a bit of a lift and encouraged them to dig in, which they did to great effect.
The only goal of the game came from the penalty spot after 33 minutes. Joe Slinn was penalised for bringing down 1874’s dangerman Jack Irlam and the number 10 dusted himself down and finished emphatically from 12 yards, his spot kick going in off the post.
Our second half performance was better – the introduction of Joe Berks back from injury seemed to lift the team – but in truth this was a day to put behind us. Our gaffer Paul Moore, will continue to look for reinforcements – we hope to have some news on that very soon – and this result is a bit of a wake up call for both him and the team.
We take a break from league action next Saturday with a visit to Belper in the FA Trophy, so we have time now to get some of those players on the injury list a bit closer to being available once more.
Yesterday was frustrating certainly but it was a blip. The confidence that has been building in the squad has had a very slight knock, but we’ll be ready for Belper next Saturday. We go again folks.
Come on ‘Castle!
Yesterday’s team versus 1874 Northwich:
Slinn, Hurst, Ritchie, T. Van der Laan, Jordan, Stubbs, Speed, (Berks), Derbyshire, Mazurkiewicz, (Chimenes), J. Van der Laan, (Edwards), Holdham.
Man of the match: Kyle Stubbs