Football matters most, says Vics' stand-in boss (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich Victoria's players are ready for crucial seven days on the pitch, says interim manager

4:29pm Friday 27th January 2012 in Sport By Andrew Simpson

NORTHWICH Victoria’s players are focused solely on football ahead of a potentially decisive week on the pitch, according to stand-in boss Wayne Porter.

The Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division title hopefuls host Marine tomorrow before heading to table-toppers Hednesford Town on Tuesday.

An FA Trophy third round encounter follows next weekend.

“It’s a massive seven days for us,” said Porter.

“First we must beat Marine to get on roll, but that won’t be easy. They travel well and will carry a threat, no question.”

The Mariners’ midweek defeat of Hednesford sent out a message to their rivals, strengthening their hold on a play-offs position.

Porter said twin defeats for Kevin Lynch’s men against Northwich in league and cup count for nothing either.

He added: “The lads need to forget about that.

“They’re ready and know what to expect, which is a team full of confidence and capable of beating anybody on their travels.”

He has everybody available for this weekend’s encounter, which will take place at the Victoria Stadium despite the club being evicted last week.

A deal with prospective new landowners Thor Specialities (UK) Ltd, a chemicals manufacturer based on the same street, was reached on Wednesday to return ‘home’.

That accord ends on Sunday lunchtime though.

Porter said: “The lads are fully committed to what they have been trying to do all season, which is getting Northwich promoted back to the Conference.

“Their spirit is as strong as ever, and no more was that evident than at training this week.

“We’ve told them to worry about what happens on the pitch, it’s for others to sort out the problems off it.”

Vics have lost only once in league and cup since a home reverse against Chorley in November; a run of 13 matches in league and cup.

They kick off tomorrow’s encounter third in the table, two points adrift of the Premier Division summit.