Telford win is massive, admits Vics boss (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich Victoria got the result their performance deserved, says Andy Preece

9:07am Wednesday 9th September 2009 in News By Andrew Simpson

ANDY Preece wore a huge grin after seeing his side defeat promotion hopefuls AFC Telford United.

The Northwich Victoria manager told the Guardian that victory against one of the Blue Square North’s top teams will give his players a big boost.

“We’ve played two of the top teams away from home this week and anybody who has seen both games will agree that we have outplayed them both,” he said.

“That’s no mean feat.

“I think we carried on from how we did at Corby on Saturday, except this time we got the result our performance deserved.

“We played some good football and created lots of chances so it was nice to get the reward for that. It’s a big win for us.”

Mark Danks’ early opener against his former club stunned the hosts, who levelled shortly before the break when Gavin Cowan headed home Sean Newton’s corner.

By then though the Bucks should have been buried as Vics spurned at least three glorious opportunities to add to their advantage.

Jonny Allan’s free kick at the start of the second half – ironically during Telford’s best spell of pressure during the match – deflated Rob Smith’s men.

“Getting our noses in front for a second time was a big moment for us,” said Preece.

“It’s a lift for the players.

“My team talk is easy at the moment. It’s much harder when you’re looking around for a spark or somebody to pick up their game.

“I don’t have to do that right now.

“We’ve put back-to-back performances together which is really pleasing.

“I always felt that we were better than what we showed in the first few weeks of the season and I told the players that.

“We were nicking results but the difference in the past couple of games is we’ve played with authority.”

Vics’ night ended with a blemish though when midfielder Michael Connor – outstanding for the most part – was sent off after being cautioned twice.

Booked earlier in the second half for a foul, he saw red after sliding into Telford keeper Ryan Young trying to win a ball he was never going to reach.

“The referee got it right, he had no choice,” added Preece.

“It’s a shame for Mike because I thought he was awesome – he has such an incredible engine and he just left their midfielders for dead time and again.

“He perhaps should have scored a couple himself, but he’s improving all the time and we’re delighted with his progress.”