Buildbase FA Vase Semi-Final 2nd leg preview - 1874 Northwich v Thatcham Town
Thu 22nd March 2018 | FA Challenge Vase | By Ian Templeman
1874 Northwich are gearing up for the biggest game in their history, as they prepare to face Thatcham Town in the second leg of the Buildbase FA Vase semi-final on Saturday.
A trip to Wembley on Sunday 20th May is, of course, the prize for the winners over the two legs, with 1874 aiming to become the 9th club in the League's history to reach the final of the FA Vase.
The match day preparations for Saturday have been under way ever since the draw was made, and have increased in intensity since the start of the week.
Additional activities taking place include promotional flyers being distributed throughout the town to promote the game, and a larger than normal match programme is being produced, and Sky Sports paid a visit to the game against Barnoldswick Town on Tuesday night to record a feature on the club.
Preparations are well advanced to accommodate the biggest crowd to ever watch a game involving 1874, with the previous record attendance of 625, achieved in the Fourth Round win over Pontefract Collieries, expected to be exceeded at Wincham Park on Saturday.
On the field, of course, 1874 need to overturn a one goal deficit after falling to a 1-0 defeat in Berkshire last weekend.
After last Saturday's game, Thatcham Town manager Danny Robinson paid tribute afterwards both to 1874's style of football and the backing they received from the large travelling support, but also praised his side's game management in the second half.
The Town boss was happy with the way in which they dictated the pace of the game, although he was unhappy that they didn't manage a second goal on the day.
None the less, they will be travelling up in confident mood, and for one player in the visiting camp, midfielder Lewis Brownhill, the surroundings of Wincham Park will have an air of familiarity as he spent time on Witton Albion's books as a teenager.
However, last Saturday's goalscorer Ross Cook is doubtful for the game after suffering a hamstring injury during the first half, after giving his side the lead from the penalty spot.
As far as 1874 are concerned, a good 3-0 win over Barnoldswick Town on Tuesday got them back in the winning groove, and joint-manager Paul Bowyer says that everyone at the club is looking forward to what will be a memorable day.
“I think it is going to be a great game for the town of Northwich, and I'm sure we will get really well supported”, said Paul.
“The fans who went down to Thatcham were great, they travelled down in numbers and there's talk of people coming to games now that maybe haven't been involved in 1874 in the past, and more who will be coming along to see what we are all about.
“That's what happened in the previous rounds, and on the back of that, I think have gained more support around the town and more people have been getting know about the club.
“No matter what happens on Saturday it has been brilliant to get to this stage, and now we are only 90 minutes from Wembley.
“The lads were down a little bit after losing (at Thatcham) but they are resilient and they know we are still very much in the tie.
“We've got experience for this situation, and I am confident that the lads will approach the game in the right way.
“Everyone is looking forward to it, and on the day you never know”.
The game is not all-ticket, although tickets can be purchased in advance. Entry to the ground on the day is by cash payment at the turnstiles, with admission prices £6 for Adults, £4 concessions, and accompanied under 16s admitted free of charge.
Buildbase FA Vase Semi-Final 2nd leg preview - 1874 Northwich v Thatcham Town
Thu 22nd March 2018 | FA Challenge Vase
By Ian Templeman
1874 Northwich are gearing up for the biggest game in their history, as they prepare to face Thatcham Town in the second leg of the Buildbase FA Vase semi-final on Saturday.
A trip to Wembley on Sunday 20th May is, of course, the prize for the winners over the two legs, with 1874 aiming to become the 9th club in the League's history to reach the final of the FA Vase.
The match day preparations for Saturday have been under way ever since the draw was made, and have increased in intensity since the start of the week.
Additional activities taking place include promotional flyers being distributed throughout the town to promote the game, and a larger than normal match programme is being produced, and Sky Sports paid a visit to the game against Barnoldswick Town on Tuesday night to record a feature on the club.
Preparations are well advanced to accommodate the biggest crowd to ever watch a game involving 1874, with the previous record attendance of 625, achieved in the Fourth Round win over Pontefract Collieries, expected to be exceeded at Wincham Park on Saturday.
On the field, of course, 1874 need to overturn a one goal deficit after falling to a 1-0 defeat in Berkshire last weekend.
After last Saturday's game, Thatcham Town manager Danny Robinson paid tribute afterwards both to 1874's style of football and the backing they received from the large travelling support, but also praised his side's game management in the second half.
The Town boss was happy with the way in which they dictated the pace of the game, although he was unhappy that they didn't manage a second goal on the day.
None the less, they will be travelling up in confident mood, and for one player in the visiting camp, midfielder Lewis Brownhill, the surroundings of Wincham Park will have an air of familiarity as he spent time on Witton Albion's books as a teenager.
However, last Saturday's goalscorer Ross Cook is doubtful for the game after suffering a hamstring injury during the first half, after giving his side the lead from the penalty spot.
As far as 1874 are concerned, a good 3-0 win over Barnoldswick Town on Tuesday got them back in the winning groove, and joint-manager Paul Bowyer says that everyone at the club is looking forward to what will be a memorable day.
“I think it is going to be a great game for the town of Northwich, and I'm sure we will get really well supported”, said Paul.
“The fans who went down to Thatcham were great, they travelled down in numbers and there's talk of people coming to games now that maybe haven't been involved in 1874 in the past, and more who will be coming along to see what we are all about.
“That's what happened in the previous rounds, and on the back of that, I think have gained more support around the town and more people have been getting know about the club.
“No matter what happens on Saturday it has been brilliant to get to this stage, and now we are only 90 minutes from Wembley.
“The lads were down a little bit after losing (at Thatcham) but they are resilient and they know we are still very much in the tie.
“We've got experience for this situation, and I am confident that the lads will approach the game in the right way.
“Everyone is looking forward to it, and on the day you never know”.
The game is not all-ticket, although tickets can be purchased in advance. Entry to the ground on the day is by cash payment at the turnstiles, with admission prices £6 for Adults, £4 concessions, and accompanied under 16s admitted free of charge.
