Brotherly insight into 1874
Thu 8th March 2018 | FA Challenge Vase | By Ian Templeman
As 1874 Northwich prepare for their FA Vase semi-final ties against Thatcham Town in the next couple of weeks, one man with a unique view on the games is Ashton Athletic striker Joel Brownhill.
Joel's appearance for Athletic in their league game against 1874 on Tuesday night was the third time he has played against them this season, twice in the league and once in the Vase - experience that is of great interest to his brother Lewis, who is a regular in the Thatcham starting line up.
Lewis has been down south for about seven or eight years and is in his second year at Thatcham Town, moving there from Evo-Stik League South West side Kidlington, and as Joel explained, his brother has wasted no time in picking his brains on 1874.
"As soon as the draw was made, we spoke to one another straight away, we had been listening to it", said Joel.
"He wanted to know how they play, and obviously you can get a bit more info from talking to players who have played against them.
"I've not watched Thatcham, so I don't know how they set up, I only know what he tells me. But I think it will be two good games, I'd love to go and watch them".
Joel has had a mixture of tales to share with Lewis, having been on the losing side in December in the Vase and on Tuesday night in the league against 1874, but he also scored in the Yellows 2-1 win in the league at the St Lukes Barton Stadium in February.
"I played and scored against them (1874) a few weeks ago, but it's a shame it wasn't in the Vase a couple of months before.
"We had a bit of a point to prove I think the second time around, we were a bit annoyed how we had played the first time.
"But on Tuesday night, they did exactly what we did to them a few weeks ago, they just didn't want to get beat again".
So, how does Joel see the Vase semi-final ties going?
"Thatcham are flying in their league, they drew two weeks ago against a team that had just been knocked out the Vase (Windsor), and before that they had won 22 games.
"I think there's a bit of money there, and they have been able to pull a few players down from the league above. But if 1874 turn up like they did against us on Tuesday, I think they will be real class games to watch.
"1874 are a big side, and they are very experienced with a few older lads who know how to play.
"It's not just about how they play football, they know how to win a game.
"They do like to play out from the back a bit, though, so I think if Thatcham are going to get anything it will be there.
"It would be nice to watch the games, especially when Thatcham come up here. I know we'll have a game on the same day, but I'd love to go to Northwich".
In another twist to the tale, Lewis is not the only Brownhill that is hoping to make a Wembley appearance in May.
The third footballing brother in the family, Josh, is a midfielder at Bristol City, who are right in the mix for the Championship play offs, and Joel admits he has an eye on possible journeys south to support his brothers.
"I hope to be there if Thatcham get to the final", said Joel.
"My other brother at Bristol City is hoping to make the play offs as well, so I might have a couple of trips there soon".
Joel is pictured below in action for Ashton Athletic. Photo courtesy of Pete Barton.
Brotherly insight into 1874
Thu 8th March 2018 | FA Challenge Vase
By Ian Templeman
As 1874 Northwich prepare for their FA Vase semi-final ties against Thatcham Town in the next couple of weeks, one man with a unique view on the games is Ashton Athletic striker Joel Brownhill.
Joel's appearance for Athletic in their league game against 1874 on Tuesday night was the third time he has played against them this season, twice in the league and once in the Vase - experience that is of great interest to his brother Lewis, who is a regular in the Thatcham starting line up.
Lewis has been down south for about seven or eight years and is in his second year at Thatcham Town, moving there from Evo-Stik League South West side Kidlington, and as Joel explained, his brother has wasted no time in picking his brains on 1874.
"As soon as the draw was made, we spoke to one another straight away, we had been listening to it", said Joel.
"He wanted to know how they play, and obviously you can get a bit more info from talking to players who have played against them.
"I've not watched Thatcham, so I don't know how they set up, I only know what he tells me. But I think it will be two good games, I'd love to go and watch them".
Joel has had a mixture of tales to share with Lewis, having been on the losing side in December in the Vase and on Tuesday night in the league against 1874, but he also scored in the Yellows 2-1 win in the league at the St Lukes Barton Stadium in February.
"I played and scored against them (1874) a few weeks ago, but it's a shame it wasn't in the Vase a couple of months before.
"We had a bit of a point to prove I think the second time around, we were a bit annoyed how we had played the first time.
"But on Tuesday night, they did exactly what we did to them a few weeks ago, they just didn't want to get beat again".
So, how does Joel see the Vase semi-final ties going?
"Thatcham are flying in their league, they drew two weeks ago against a team that had just been knocked out the Vase (Windsor), and before that they had won 22 games.
"I think there's a bit of money there, and they have been able to pull a few players down from the league above. But if 1874 turn up like they did against us on Tuesday, I think they will be real class games to watch.
"1874 are a big side, and they are very experienced with a few older lads who know how to play.
"It's not just about how they play football, they know how to win a game.
"They do like to play out from the back a bit, though, so I think if Thatcham are going to get anything it will be there.
"It would be nice to watch the games, especially when Thatcham come up here. I know we'll have a game on the same day, but I'd love to go to Northwich".
In another twist to the tale, Lewis is not the only Brownhill that is hoping to make a Wembley appearance in May.
The third footballing brother in the family, Josh, is a midfielder at Bristol City, who are right in the mix for the Championship play offs, and Joel admits he has an eye on possible journeys south to support his brothers.
"I hope to be there if Thatcham get to the final", said Joel.
"My other brother at Bristol City is hoping to make the play offs as well, so I might have a couple of trips there soon".
Joel is pictured below in action for Ashton Athletic. Photo courtesy of Pete Barton.
