Match Preview: 1874 Northwich (H)

By Brendan Doyle

After pre season we welcome you all back to The Berry Street Garage Stadium as we kick off our first competitive fixture in the 2025/26 campaign against 1874 Northwich in the preliminary round of the FA Cup. Last season The Bucks made an exit to the competition at this very opening stage here at The Berry Street Garage Stadium at the hands of a 3-1 defeat to local rivals City Of Liverpool.

In the new season however, Bootle will be hoping for a longer run in the competition and a win against 1874 would mean a trip away to Yorkshire against either Sheffield FC or Albion Sports dependant of the result in their tie on August 2nd.

1874 Northwich managed to reach the second qualifying round of the competition after beating Longridge Town 3-1 away in the preliminary round and then the following two weeks later they managed to guide past the first qualifying round with a 3-2 home win against Stocksbridge Park, but unfortunately for 74 they were hit with a 3-0 away defeat to Guiseley which meant a devastating trip home from West Yorkshire without their name in the draw for the following round of the FA Cup.

Club History:

1874 Northwich FC was founded on 15 November 2012 by members of the Northwich Victoria Supporters' Trust, following dissatisfaction with the management of Northwich Victoria. A vote (141–4) led to the creation of a new club, shortly after it was revealed that the Northwich Victoria owner had been declared bankrupt.

At a public meeting on 29 November 2012, the name 1874 Northwich was chosen to honour the year the original Northwich Victoria played its first match. The club motto "Ever Glorious", linked to the Cheshire Regiment, was also selected.

• Officially registered in January 2013, the club joined the North West Counties League Division One for the 2013/14 season.

• First match: 10 July 2013, won 3–1 vs Lostock Gralam.

• First honour: Supporters Direct Shield win vs AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

• First league game: 3 August 2013, drew 1–1 vs Oldham Boro.

• Promoted to the Premier Division in 2014 after finishing 3rd due to another team’s resignation.

• Entered the FA Cup for the first time in their second season.

• Won the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup in 2015/16 and again in 2016/17.

• Reached FA Vase semi-finals in 2017/18.

• Won the North West Counties League Cup in 2018/19 and the delayed 2019–20 League Cup in 2021.

• Promoted to Northern Premier League Division One West in 2021 based on PPG from COVID-curtailed seasons.

• Relegated back to the Midland League Premier Division in 2023/24 after finishing bottom.

• 
  

Throughout their history, 1874 Northwich has remained fan-owned and community-driven.

The Manager: Chris Herbert has been the manager at 1874 Northwich since April 2024, his previous managerial roles have been at Runcorn Town and Cefn Druids. Herbert has also had scouting roles at Chester, Salford and Nottingham Forest. He’s also had spells as assistant manager at Chester and Rhyl. As a player he featured for Christleton, Connah’s Quay, Filnt Town, Welshpool, Rhyl and Conwy where he was very briefly a player/coach.

Key Player: Mark Jones who has made 287 appearances for the club, has recently just signed a contract with 74 for a ninth consecutive season, renown for his leadership and dedication on and off the pitch for the club, this is fantastic for everyone at 1874. Last season he won a tied player’s player of the season award alongside Niall Osborne, which shows that 74’s Mr Reliable has plenty more to give. Jones has also been appointed club captain which surely the fans and players will see as a fantastic appointment. Jones has also stepped up as interim manager on two separate occasions.

Last Five Seasons:

• Midland League Premier Division 2024/25

• Northern Premier League Division One West 2023/24

• Northern Premier League Division One West 2022/23

• Northern Premier League Division One West 2021/22

• Northern Premier League Division One West 2021/20

Founded: 2012

Nickname: 74

Ground: Townfield, known as The Creative Hut Stadium for sponsorship purposes (ground sharing with Barnton FC)

Capacity: 1,000

Recent Honours: North West Counties League Challenge Cup Winners 2018/19, 2019/20 (played delayed final in 2021 due to the COVID 19 Pandemic)