Andy Preece is all smiles after Mark Danks' hat-trick fires Vics to cup win (From Northwich Guardian)

Andy Preece is all smiles after Mark Danks' hat-trick fires Vics to cup win

10:09am Sunday 11th October 2009

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ANDY Preece was struggling to find superlatives to describe Mark Danks’ form after Northwich Victoria thrashed Chorley in the FA Cup.

The Vics boss watched his top scorer fire a second hat-trick in as many matches in this season’s competition as the hosts eased into the fourth qualifying round.

“He’s on fire,” Preece said of Danks.

“A few people doubted whether we’d score any goals this season!

“But Danksy has scored 13 already. He’s capable of that. He scored goals for me at Worcester City and he can score from great strikes or be on the end of the half chances in the box.

“I’m really pleased with how he’s come back after missing most of pre-season. There’s more to come too.”

Danks’ double in side the first quarter hour – a close range volley followed by a sublime lob – saw Chorley’s hopes of an upset evaporate.

The home team were rampant, forcing Magpies manager Steve Waywell to scrap his five-man backline and haul off full back Mark Rogers before the halfway point of the opening period.

“We went out there with the right attitude,” said Preece.

“I thought we were on top from the first kick as we put Chorley under pressure and it was relentless from that moment onwards.

“They didn’t have any answer, but we were at our best.

“They hoped they could spring a surprise.

“But perhaps that belief drained away pretty quickly as we hardly gave them a sniff. It was a super performance.”

Second half goals from Michael Connor, plus a third for Danks as he steered an unstoppable volley past Chorley keeper Zac Hibbert following a fine flowing move down the right, settled the outcome.

Chris Amadi’s consolation – he cashed in on a mistake by Mat Bailey – was the sole blemish.

Preece added: “I said before the game that if we performed the way I know we can then they would have to play really well to beat us.

“They play two leagues below us so that would have been a massive ask.

“If we’re greedy we want it to be 4-0 and it was a moment of sloppiness to let them nick a goal. That was disappointing but I won’t be harping on about that.

“I’d prefer to focus on our fourth goal – Danks’ third – which was truly fantastic.

“We made good decisions all the way through the move on every pass. If Arsenal had done that we’d be talking about it all week.”

Vics’ reward is a place in the fourth qualifying round draw on Monday morning.

But their cash prize – now at some £11,500 – remains in the Football Association’s hands while the club is in administration.

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