1874 Northwich 4 – 2 Hanley Town

Written by Ben Butler

Mike Brandon’s brace ensured 1874 Northwich came from two goals down to win in their North West Counties League Division One clash against Hanley Town.

Brandon, the scorer of 17 league goals this season, struck either side of the break with efforts from Steve Crane and Rick Bailey securing the victory.

James Pointon and Theo Stair had put Hanley 2-0 in front before the comeback.

The result moves 1874 one point behind league leaders Atherton Colleries in third while the visitors remain in fourth.

1874 Northwich are one point off the North West Counties League Division One summit after the 4-2 win against Hanley.

Hanley, who came into the game having lost 4-3 at Atherton LR, made the brighter start and deservedly took the lead 13 minutes in when Crane was dispossessed, leaving Pointon to hit a low shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.

The visitors soon extended their advantage on 35 minutes when Pointon played through Stair and the Hanley top scorer hit a shot which crept past Matt Conkie’s right-hand post.

However, 1874 responded strongly and two goals in quick succession before half time turned the encounter on its head.

First, Brandon was left with a tap-in on 42 minutes after great work from Daley Woods on the right hand side, before Crane’s 25 yard wonder strike after 44 minutes sailed into the top corner to stun Hanley.

After the break, 1874 continued to press and their endeavour paid off on 58 minutes when Bailey side-footed home from close range in meeting Stuart Wellstead’s low cross to give the home side the lead for the first time.

The game was wrapped up on 72 minutes after good work from Woods in burning the full back for pace, before crossing for Brandon to apply a cool finish which ensured 1874 a crucial win.

1874 Northwich: Conkie, Mitchell, Stewart, Farnworth, Duckworth, Crane, Woods, Jones (C), Brandon, Bailey, Wellstead

Subs: McGregor, Wooley, Coffin (Wellstead 90), Murphy, Bowyer

Goals: Brandon (42 & 72), Crane (44), Bailey (59)

Hanley: Jackson, Evans, Goodall, Stair, Edwards, Machin (Proffit 68), Morton, Thorpe, Pointing, Stair (C), Vernon

Subs: Proffit, Lewis, Grice, Shankland

Goals: Pointon (13), Stair (35)

Referee: Mike Crusham

Assistant Referees: David Lever and Stephen Jones.

Attendance: 322