Northwich Victoria's resistance finally broken (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich Victoria's resistance finally broken

10:24am Tuesday 1st September 2009 in

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SOUTHPORT provided the expected stiff test for Northwich that in some ways they passed.

Solid defensively in the first half, they restricted the visitors to just one real goal-scoring opportunity and that fell to former player Paul Barratt who shot over when clear on goal.

They were industrious in midfield but a little lightweight up front.

Their resolve was rewarded in the 38th minute when Michael Connor smacked the ball into the roof of the net after the visitors had failed to clear a free kick from the left.

Southport increased the pace after the break but Vics responded positively and almost doubled their lead when a hard low cross from Danks was guided narrowly wide of his own goal post by Southport defender Earl Davies.

As the visitors’ pressure grew, chinks became apparent in the Northwich armoury.

Southport broke quickly and found Chris Simms free on goal and he rounded Spencer and shot at goal but somehow Simon Grand got back and scooped the ball from the goal line onto the post and away and then steadied himself to clear a follow up shot once again from off the line.

Ciaran Kilheeney shot over from six yards and Spence pushed an angled shot from substitute Steve Daly around his post.

Prospects of Vics holding out were growing with only eight minutes remaining but Bailey was turned by Kilheeney and he caught him with an outstretched leg just enough to justify the forward falling to the ground.

The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Daly calmly stroked his penalty kick into the centre of the net.

Daly might have grabbed all three points but he headed wide from in front of goal, leaving Vics to hang onto their hard-earned point.

Team: Spencer, Aspin, Bailey, Grand, J Brown, Connor, D’Laryea, Winter (Riley 62mins), Allan (Burns 84mins), Danks (Hanley 86mins). Subs not used: Clancy, Horrocks. Attendance: 724.