THE 1874 COLUMN - By Matt Waters

AT1874, working in the community is a huge priority for all of us, and unfortunately due to the disruption Covid-19 has caused, our joint community day with Barnton was postponed.

Last year, our landlords Barnton held their own community day working closely with their junior system, raising money for Alder Hey and whilst we played at Winsford United, we too held our own community days.

However, after speaking to our football secretary Vicki England, it is clear that this joint 1874 and Barnton community day will take place, when it is safe to do so.

The day itself would have included various events such as a car boot sale and numerous stalls to keep families entertained off the pitch whilst on it, we would have seen some small sided games between both sides’ junior teams.

However, the main event of the day was the legends game in which several former 1874 faces would have returned to put on the green shirt once more to raise money for Alder Hey.

The many returning legends included former captain Adam Foy, Matt Conkie, Lee Duckworth, Paul Connor, Mike Brandon, Neil Chappell, with our current co-manager Paul Bowyer also playing part of the day with the team managed by former manager Ian Street.

When I spoke to Vicki she told me she was delighted with the partnership we have developed with Barnton Seniors and their juniors.

She said: “It’s been brilliant. Dave Bryning approached me and asked if we wanted to take part and it’s an excellent opportunity.

“We’ve done our own before when we used to play in Winsford however doing this alongside our landlords Barnton will not only be a great chance to raise money for such a worthy cause as Alder Hey, but also as a celebration for our fantastic working relationship.”

Vicki also added that when football does return, the community day will go ahead as we continue to develop our relationship with Barnton.

She continued: “We’ve enjoyed an excellent relationship with Barnton this year and that is something we hope continues over the coming years.

“When we propose ideas for the work at Townfield, they are always open and lead to good discussions.

“Steve Lloyd and Mike Alcock have been great with us along with many others and I think last season we saw that success.

“Both our clubs have a great enthusiasm for football and that’s why it’s proved to be the success it has been!”

With the legends game being postponed until football can safely return, it will be a great moment to see so many familiar faces putting on the green shirt once again.

It shows how they bought into what we are about not only on the pitch but also off it.

Working together with Barnton and in the community has always been paramount to the way we work as a club and we are proud that we will be able to over the coming years!

n Previous Northwich Guardian football and rugby columns at northwichguardian.co.uk