Prestatyn Town Reserves 0 – 5 1874 Northwich

FOUR goals from Mike Brandon ensured 1874 Northwich coasted to their fourth pre-season victory in as many games in sunny North Wales.

The number nine exploded in a devastating 30 minute spell at the start of the second half which saw 1874 score all their five goals.

The Seasiders played a mixture of under 21 and reserve players as well as four first team regulars with their Europa League Second Qualifying Round game against Croatian side FC Rijeka in mind.

It took a while for the quality difference between the sides to show after a dour first half in which neither side created many openings.

Chances were at a premium and Anthony’s Marshall’s 25 yard shot which narrowly went wide and Brandon’s strike from the edge of the box into the keeper were the only memorable moments of a period which 1874 edged.

However, the difference in quality between the sides started to show in the second period with 1874 taking the lead on 51 minutes when a Lee Hendley cross left Dean McGregor with an easy tap-in at the back post despite the best efforts of the Seasiders goalkeeper who got a touch to the ball.

Four minutes later it was 2-0 when this time McGregor was the provider of a ball that Brandon rolled in from close range.

On the hour, 1874 made it 3-0 when another cross from Hendley was this time headed home expertly into the top corner of the net by Brandon.

A dominant 1874 continued to find space against a depleted looking Prestatyn side and on 69 minutes, Marshall sent through Brandon who slotted empathetically home after being one-on-one with the keeper.

There was still time for 1874 to find a fifth and Brandon to get his fourth goal of the afternoon on 73 minutes when Brandon again nodded home from susbstitute Phil Coffin’s cross.

Rout completed and job done to leave 1874 fans in a party mood on the day of the Prestatyn carnival.

Bastion Road, home of Prestatyn Town FC.

Picture: Groundhopping blog

1874 Northwich FC: Conkie (GK), Mitchell, Tickle, Bowyer, Duckworth, Crane, Hendley, McKay, Brandon, Marshall, McGregor

Substitutes: Hadzik, Coffin, Wilding, Marrow