View this email in your browser

No.492 Friday 17th December 2021

THOMAS ‘TODDY’ BARLOW

It is with an enormous amount of sadness that the club learned that loyal supporter and volunteer Toddy Barlow, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, surrounded by his family.

Toddy, who was loved by everyone, was at the forefront of setting 1874 Northwich up. He was the Chairman of the Social & Fundraising Committee, which over the years raised thousands of pounds in support of the club through race nights, social events and sponsorships. He was also very active with other schemes, such as recycling items for the club which increased funds and his last project was to recruit supporters to sponsor goals and clean sheets.

His drive, determination and enthusiasm helped 1874 to progress. If Toddy had an idea, he made it happen. If Toddy asked you to get involved, you would and if he suggested that you ‘part with your money for the club’, you did without question. Indeed, if he approached you with his notebook and a smile, you realised that you would leave with a lighter pocket!

Toddy was a supporter of the green side of football in Northwich for over 70 years and was one of the main driving forces in attempting to save his beloved Drill Field from developers. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of local football and was extremely well respected by a great many people.

He was passionate that 1874 Northwich was well run, for its members and supporters. He was extremely proud of his club, and everyone involved with it, and was happy when he could follow the team home and away, every game. We are so pleased that he was able to be there last Saturday and see the team secure three valuable points after a great performance, it certainly made him smile.

Toddy’s funeral arrangements are as follows:

Thursday 23 December 1 pm
Birches Remembrance Park & Crematorium, Lostock Green, CW9 7SU
Then on to Rudheath Social Club, where everyone is welcome.
Family flowers only please, donations to 1874 Northwich or Cancer Research UK

Toddy’s family would be delighted if everyone wore his favourite colour of GREEN, shirts and scarves would be most welcome.

We will be joined by Toddy’s family at tomorrow’s game, and we will mark our love and respect for him by holding a minute’s applause.

The thoughts of everyone at 1874 go to his lovely family at this most difficult and sad time.

Rain or shine spade in hand
Win or lose an evergreen fan
Sweepstakes, race nights, raffles and more
All for the love of our 74
Giving a smile whilst taking a pound
That was your greeting at the ground
A golden goal from a golden guy
Rest in peace in the clouds up high

Thanks to Nicki for these beautiful words.

Rest in peace Toddy, you will be hugely missed by your 1874 family

FROM THE DUG OUT

Two results in the last two games that I would suggest demonstrates what our players are capable of when they play with real focus and intensity in and out of possession. For Bow and I, the conundrum is trying to help them stay consistent within performances as it is very apparent that once we don’t, then games become very difficult indeed.

The Mossley game was remarkable really, not just for the extreme weather it took place in but the way we conceded easily then scored freely! I must admit at 2-0 down I wasn’t over concerned as we had opportunities to score ourselves and I felt we would. At 3-0 I did think ‘this could be difficult’ but again, it was noticeable that in possession our attacking play was causing them real issues. Considering we had no centre forward and set up in a slightly different manner, the players were superb in their application and the way they handled the ball on a tricky surface.

We both felt last Saturday at Kidsgrove was probably a more consistent and solid performance and a deserving win again for the efforts the lads all put in for the 90minutes to apply some of the things we had worked on in training. In truth, we could have won more comfortably and but for a couple of terrific saves by their keeper I am sure we would have. In the end it was good to see Jamie get a goal on his debut, we all hope he will eventually fit in well with us and provide some really good experience across the whole squad.

As we come up to a busy period, other than Harry Cain, who will stay with WD&C through to the new year and Lee Knight, who is away this week, we should have everyone available for selection at home against Clitheroe this Saturday. That said, we are monitoring Mackenzie as he came off last Saturday with a tight hamstring and only did some light work this week, Phil and Ethan will make the call on him. There are lads who are having to be patient and I cannot speak highly enough of those who are not in the team right now for the way they have all been professional in their approach and the part they play, to me, is just as vital as those who are currently starting.

Finally, we have all been devastated this week to learn of the death of a true 74 legend in Toddy. I do not use that term lightly, but his never-ending efforts to promote our club, raise funds and to just generally be supportive and dedicated to seeing us all improve was incredible. Obviously, many of you will have known him much longer than I did, but he was always encouraging towards us and the team, more so when things were a little tough, and I will miss his gentle barracking and rebukes that we ‘hadn’t scored enough goals’ to boost another of his schemes! As always, accompanied with a broad grin and twinkle in his eye. I have never bought so many raffle tickets than I have in the last 5 years……

My thoughts and that of all the players, Bow, Phil, Andy, Chris and Ethan goes out to all his family, close friends and every one of you who knew him and shared many happy times with him. Like our late chairman Paul, I think he goes down as one of the key figures in this club’s short history and I thank him for that, without him and his contribution I may not have been here and able to stick around so long.
LUCAS WEIR SIGNS CONTRACT
Lucas Weir

1874 Northwich is pleased to share the news that Lucas Weir has signed a contract with the club.

We caught up with both Lucas and co-manager Wayne Goodison this week to find out more on the matter.

“We think he’s warranted this, he’s done really well over the last few years he’s been with us, and he’s been at the forefront of what we’ve done since pre-season.
“This lets him know what we think about him and gives him that bit of security so he can carry on enjoying his football.” said Goodson.

Back in 2018, Lucas attended a trial session hosted by our U21 coaches and was a standout. After excelling with our younger group, it wasn’t long before he then turned out for our first-team over an initial three month spell. We welcomed Lucas back to the squad in January 2020 after he took a year out in the USA and he’s very much been a regular starter since.

“At training tonight [Tuesday] we have a number of younger lads with our group. This shows that there is a pathway. If any can apply themselves, prepare for games the way Lucas does and approach training in a similar way then there is every chance we can repeat this and welcome them into the team.

“There are a number of players with our U21s who we think potentially can make the step up – it is down to them. With the likes of Taylor Kennerley and now Lucas, this proves that the younger set up is a worthwhile exercise for us.” added Goodison.

Lucas – who is fast approaching a half-century of appearances with the team – said: “At the minute I’m enjoying my football and that’s the main thing for me. I would like full-time football in the future but right now I’m playing every week in men’s football and I can’t complain.

“We had a sticky start to the season but we’re finding our feet as a team at this level. Over the last few weeks we’ve played a few teams off the pitch and scored some good goals so hopefully we can keep that going.”

Asked on the interest shown in Lucas, Goodison added: “There of course is interest, we’ve made the step up and proven that our players can compete at this level. We have good players, Lucas is capable of stepping up levels. He’ll need the break and there is every chance he’ll get that shot. As a club, we would be pleased with that. Some of the questions we’re being asked about Lucas – it could happen for him in the next six months, if not he’ll continue developing with us.”
BIG GAME PREVIEW

WITH GARRY CLARKE
SATURDAY 18TH DECEMBER 2021
HOME V CLITHEROE
NPL WEST
KICK OFF 3PM

For their last game before Christmas 1874 Northwich welcome Clitheroe to Townfield on Saturday for a NPL West game, kick off 3pm.

Clitheroe were in 4th place in the NPL Division One North West when the 2020/21 season was halted and 6th when the 2019/20 season abandoned. The last completed season saw them finish 18th in Division One West.

Clitheroe have been in great form recently topping the six game form table in the NPL West with five wins and a draw with their last four games all being victories.

Last Saturday they beat Prescot Cables 4-1 at home, their goal scorers in front of a crowd of 560 being Cole Lonsdale, Ben McKenna, Sefton Gonzales and Terry Cummings.

After last weekend’s games Clitheroe were 4th in the NPL West table with a record of
P W D L GF GA GD PTS
18 11 3 4 38 25 +13 34

Away from home their record is:
P W D L
7 5 2 0

Their top goal scorer this season is Sefton Gonzarles who has netted 9 times so far, including on the opening day of the season against 1874.

COME ON YOU ORANGES!
NoHomeKit

For tomorrow’s match against Clitheroe, we will be wearing our away kit in support of the Shelter #NoHomeKit campaign.

WHY NOW?
Homelessness has risen dramatically over the last decade. The pandemic has shown us the importance of having a safe home like never before – yet more than 180,000 households have been made homeless since March 2020. With a tough winter ahead even more, people could lose their homes. Shelter’s frontline services are working harder than ever to help people find and keep a home this Christmas, but we can’t do it alone.

WHY FOOTBALL?
Whether watching from the terraces or gathered round the living room TV, football understands what home means. Home gives all fans a sense of identity, belonging and, above all, community. The players on the pitch may change, but the feelings of home are what keep us coming back to football week after week, season after season.

Shelter believes home means everything too. Access to a safe and secure home is what gives us all the foundation for a happy life. But for too many people, this basic human need is denied or under threat. Football’s position in society makes it the perfect ally in fighting for the thousands of people without anywhere to call home today.

WHAT IS #NOHOMEKIT?
This is a simple idea that anyone in football can be involved in. All we’re asking is for the football community to come together for the Boxing Day round of fixtures, ditch their home shirt, and instead wear an away or third kit, in a powerful act of support and solidarity

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the scale of homelessness across the country and there is also the option to donate to Shelter through its website or by text message. Visit shelter.org.uk/nohomekit or text ‘HOME’ to 70455 to donate £5*.

*Texts cost your standard network rate + £5, and Shelter receive 100% of your donation.
Orange Kit
1874 MATCH CENTRE

Kidsgrove Athletic 1-3 1874 Northwich
By Jack Owen

Northern Premier League – West
Saturday 11th December 2021 K.O. 2.00pm

1874 continued where they left off the previous weekend against Mossley by coming from behind at Kidsgrove to secure their place in the top half of the table and make it two wins in a row.

Kidsgrove, who ran out comfortable winners in their trip to Townfield earlier in the season, were looking to complete their first league double of the campaign, but on the day came up against a ‘74 side that are now made of sterner stuff

An even start found both teams competing for control in the midfield. However, the hosts took the lead on the 20-minute mark, when a long ball into Kieran Brown was brought down well by the forward, and his snap turn and driven strike beat Aghayere for accuracy and nestled in the far corner

‘74 now had to react for the second game in a row, and once again, they did.

First, Jake Parker, in another influential performance from his position in advanced midfield, stung the palms of the Kidsgrove keeper from the edge of the area.

Mike Koral was next to test the ‘Grove stopper, his driving run upfield resulted in a left footed shot that was heading for the top corner only for a reflex save to deny him.

The pressure was mounting from ‘74 now, with a number of blocked efforts denying our players, but it finally paid off on 40 minutes.

Lucas Weir took aim from distance, and when the keeper could only parry his effort as far as Mackenzie O’Neill, the forward showed composure beyond his years to take his time, round the frantic keeper and the last defender, and tap home on the line.

The comeback was complete in added time at the end of the first half. Callum Gardner, making another start in the striker position, capped it with a wonderfully taken goal that those familiar with Gardner’s previous efforts will know well.

Parker found the forward lurking out to the left, and with his first few touches he cut inside two markers, using them as cover when he curled a sumptuous strike into the top right corner from 20 yards that left the keeper with no chance whatsoever.

1874 began the second half firmly in control of the contest, but as ‘74 hunted a third goal to kill the game off, Kidsgrove still retained their threat on the break, and Tony Aghayere was forced to make a superb save to deny Kieran Brown a second of the game.

The final goal of the contest eventually arrived with 10 minutes remaining.

New signing Jamie Reed rose highest in the middle to power home a header from Jake Parker’s pick out to get his time at ‘74 off to a perfect start.

Kidsgrove – Wheeler, Hatton, Rigby, Hajdari (Leigh), Burke, McCulloch, Williams, Barrow, McMillan (Sambor), McGrath, Jennings (McCaragher).
Subs not used: McQuade.
1874 – Aghayere, Koral, Kennerly, Foulds, Jones, Weir, J Woolley, M Woolley, Woods, Parker, O’Neill (Hare).
Subs not used: Ormrod, Knight, Hamman, Gardner.

Goals:
Kidsgrove – Brown 20.
1874 – O’Neill 40, Gardner 45, Reed 82.
Referee D Bond
Attendance 265

Mackenzie celebrates

Cal celebrates

All match report photos – Xenia Simpson Photography

U21’s

To round the weekend off with a bang, our Under 21’s made their own headlines by thumping local rivals Witton Albion 8-0. Goals from Raeece Ellington (x 3); Will Bentley; Josh Winthrop; Matthew Fenton; Harry Walker and Lewis Edwards rounded off a great first half to the season. Enjoy your Christmas break lads!

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY CHESHIRE DERBY

Warrington Rylands have advised that they are expecting a larger crowd for this game, therefore they have set up a pre-booking facility and they are recommending that supporters purchase their tickets early, so they are not disappointed on the day. This will also help them with planning for the game, such as making adequate catering arrangements etc. Their bar will be open from 1200, should supporters want to get there early.

Tickets can be purchased via the following link – Warrington Rylands v 1874 Northwich (ticketpass.org)
HALF SEASON TICKETS

The club is making half season tickets available to purchase, for home league games being played from 1 January onwards. The season tickets are priced at £48 & £30 and are available from the club’s online shop Match and Season Tickets | 1874 Northwich F.C., or by contacting our Treasurer John either at the match tomorrow or by emailing [email protected].

Please note that we do have the facility to take card payments at the ground.
QUESTION TIME with Garry Clarke

The answer to last week’s teaser is
The five NPL teams who are playing in this weekend’s FA Trophy 3rd round are:
Lancaster City, Matlock Town, Morpeth Town, Nantwich Town and Radcliffe.

This week’s teaser is
1874 Northwich have played Clitheroe on two previous occasions, the opening day of this season and on the 10th August 2019, can you name the four players who played for 1874 in the first meeting but not the second?

Answer next week.
IN STOCK

In stock now, and a fantastic idea for stocking fillers, are new 1874 tea towels and aprons detailing the fantastic away kit design, created by our wonderful juniors. Why not pop along to the shop tomorrow!

We still have old stock in the shop. Rather than them remaining in store indefinitely and to free up space and generate some cash, we will continue to have an “old stock disposal box” outside the shop at tomorrow’s home game against Clitheroe. All we are asking for is a donation.

In addition, we have some blue away shirts and pink goalkeeper tops. We will be selling adult shirts for £20 and junior shirts for £10. Again, what better way to treat someone at Christmas than to make them the proud owner of the shirt that went worldwide and viral!

Given that the virus transmission rates are increasing, we will be taking some precautionary steps to help, therefore for the time being we would ask that only one person is in the shop at any time and that when you do enter, you wear a face covering. This will protect you and our fantastic volunteers. Thank you!
IMPORTANT – VISITING TOWNFIELD

It is wonderful to see so many of you down at Townfield after having been away for so long. We wanted to send another reminder out that 1874 is working closely with Barnton FC and the Parish Council to ensure that we are good neighbours and are respectful of the wider community in the area.

We are urging all supporters, who are coming along to the game by car, to be extremely considerate when parking in Barnton. Townfield Lane has always been a scene of congestion and it is important that on match days, we as a football club do not add to the issues already present.

Off street parking is available at the Memorial Hall (a small parking fee applies) or FREE parking is available on the large car park attached to Barnton Primary School, at the rear of Barnton Library or on the public car park at the rear of the Co-op situated at the bottom of Townfield Lane. All these facilities are within a few minutes’ walk of the ground and the Club really does encourage supporters to fully make use of these car parks.

Car parking on the roads surrounding Townfield on matchday is an issue for residents and we hope that you will all take this on board and will use one of the designated car parks that are available. We must work together on this to ensure that there are no issues for the Club in the future.

STAY SAFE

We had hoped that this section of the Newsletter would actually disappear. However, with the rates of the new Omicron virus growing quickly, we ask you to take care and follow any guidance that is given by the Health Authorities.

When you attend a game at Townfield, there’s plenty of space and fresh air to enable you to feel confident about continuing to back the boys. We’ve got plenty of the fantastic Oxyl-Pro placed around the ground, which will give supporters added protection and confidence. As with everything, carrying out regular lateral flow tests is recommended and obviously, if you do have symptoms then we would ask you to arrange a PCR test to be sure.

Stay well everyone

weare74

PLEASE TRY AND SUPPORT ALL THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT YOUR FOOTBALL CLUB
THANK YOU
Also, please try to mention 1874 Northwich FC

Copyright © 2022 1874 Northwich, All rights reserved.