Pete Tonge shares his thoughts on Northwich Victoria's 1-1 draw at Winsford United...
VICS will be disappointed to come away with only a point after a feisty local derby. against a very direct Winsford side.
Plenty of effort and determination by Vics, but they just lacked that finishing touch in the penalty area.
The match started fairly quietly, and evenly, with Vics coping reasonably well with Winsford's continual long ball tactic meaning there was was little action in the first 15 minutes or so.
Winsford had the first shot in the 16th minute, as Sam Marshall's long-range effort was well dealt with by Cheetham.
Vics came close just 3 minutes later as an in swinging free kick from Ryan Winder was headed just wide by Roman Allen.
Vics were having most of the ball now, and should have gone ahead after 25 minutes as Ryan Winder was played through by a glorious through ball from Matt Dudley, but his shot was wide of the near post.
It was Winsford who took the lead in the 32nd minute as they were awarded a slightly harsh penalty for handball as a shot hit the arm of a Vics defender from just 3 yards away.
Daniel Boden made no mistake from the spot.
Vics continued to press but without creating much and went into half time the one goal down.
The second half started with Vics on the front foot from the off, pushing Winsford back who were relying on launching the ball forward quickly at every opportunity.
Vics were creating little though as Winsford's defence stood firm, but Vics finally got the equaliser they deserved after 59 minutes as a long throw by Bennett caused havoc in the Winsford defence, and the ball fell to the waiting Ryan Jackson 10 yards out and he gleefully hammered the ball into the back of the net.
Vics continued to bombard the Winsford defence with long throws and crosses in particular causing concern for Winsford but Vics couldn't get the final touch they needed and despite a good deal of effort, Vics had to settle for a point.
Vics: Cheetham, Camozzi, Allen, Barski, Bennett, Whyte (Jackson M), Winder, Jackson R(Dunn, Walker), Martin (Avraam), Dudley. Subs not used: Khochtali, Mather.
NEXT MATCH: FA Cup preliminary round, Friday, home v West Didsbury & Chorlton, kick-off 7.45pm
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