NORTHWICH Victoria were defeated 2-1 at Avro after scrambling overnight to put a team together.

Vics manager Steve Wilkes revealed he only had 12 players available the night before the game but his request to the North West Counties League for the match to be postponed was 'knocked back'.

Covid-19, injuries, exits and work commitments all played their part in The Trickies being down to the bare bones.

"So people like young Leo (Roberts), who buried his father last week, is going to help us out," said Wilkes prior to kick-off.

"We've a young kid, 17, (Jamie Wood) who has travelled back from Norwich this morning on the train to come and sit on the bench for us.

"Thankfully Joe Camozzi tested negative yesterday and today, so he's available.

"We haven't seen Luca (Kouris) since August in pre-season I think but he dropped his hat last night when we asked if he'd come and sit on the bench.

"We've only got Matty Birchall as a recognised forward. Chad Whyte has got Covid, Brad Lynch has still got his hamstring injury and Carl Grimshaw's on his way back to Charnock Richard so we've jigged things about a little bit."

Despite everything and the three changes in the starting line-up to the 7-0 win against Lower Breck last time out, Vics took the lead against a side four points and three places above them in sixth place.

Rudy Misambo netted his first league goal for the club, ramming home a powerful header from a corner in the 15th minute.

Vics paid the price for not finishing off other chances they created in the first half when they conceded twice in three minutes midway through the second period.

Avro fired in a free-kick towards goal and Oumar Camara got to the ball after a deflection and smashed his shot home in the 69th minute.

Camara then got his head to Kyle Harrop's cross to seal the points for the hosts.