Pete Tonge shares his verdict on Northwich Victoria's 2-1 victory at Irlam...
IT was all Black and Whyte for Vics as loanee John Black and returnee Harvey Whyte scored the goals which gave Vics victory.
Vics started off well, forcing two corners in the first minute, whilst four minutes later, Ryan Jackson let fly from 25 yards, which wasn't much over the bar.
Vics took the lead after 8 minutes as a free kick was headed back by Brandon Barski to centre back John Black who volleyed a screamer into the top corner of the net giving the Irlam keeper, Pelling, no chance. Brilliant strike.
Vics were looking dangerous every time they pushed forward.
In the 35th minute, the impressive Ryan Jackson stole the ball down the right, drove forward and crossed the ball across to Isaac Graham who was well placed, but he couldn't get his shot away.
A minute later, it was Jackson again as he ran onto a great flicked header from Matt Dudley, and fired a shot just over the bar.
Two minutes later, it was Harvey Whyte set up by Dudley, who forced an excellent low save from Pelling.
Irlam's best chance came in the 41st minute as Cheetham produced a fine save from a Millon Brown effort.
HALF-TIME : Irlam 0 Northwich Vics 1
The second half started slowly, and somewhat scrappily.
Harvey Whyte came close with a half volley after 50 minutes and 8 minutes later it was Whyte again who provided the cross which Liam Martin glanced straight at the keeper.
However it was Irlam who scored next. Brown was fouled as he pushed forward, and Alfie Walker curled the resultant free kick into the top corner. Great free kick.
Vics were rattled a bit now, and Chris Cheetham had to save Vics twice.
Firstly, he was forced to dive on top of the ball after a huge scramble in the Vics goalmouth, and then he saved with his legs after Irlam's Okunz was let in after a poor backpass.
However, Vics were soon pressing again and Barski came close with a header which forced Pelling into a good reflex save.
Then came the crucial moment as Joe Camozzi burst into the area, and was promptly brought down by an Irlam defender.
Up stepped Harvey Whyte who confidently sent Pelling the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Vics saw out the remaining ten minutes with no alarms to record an excellent victory after a difficult weekend.
FULL-TIME : Irlam 1 Northwich Vics 2
Vics showed considerable spirit and determination, and a fair bit of good football on a bumpy pitch to gain three valuable points
Match facts:
North West Counties Premier Division
Monday 29th August 2022
At Silver Street, Irlam
Vics: Cheetham, Camozzi, Black, Barski, Murray, Whyte, Mather (Jackson M 81'), Jackson R (Winder 88'), Graham (Avraam 91'), Martin (Birchall 74'), Dudley. Unused subs: Allen
GOALS: Irlam: Walker 65'. Vics: Black 8', Whyte Pen 81'
NEXT MATCH: League: Saturday 3rd September, away at KENDAL TOWN 3.00pm
NB: This match has been switched to Kendal as Witton Albion are at home in the Cup.
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