Northwich Victoria are without a game this weekend but Pete Tonge takes a deeper look into the midweek 2-2 home draw with Litherland REMYCA...

VICS failed to capitalise on a dominant display, letting in a late equaliser to throw away two points.

Northwich started the game brightly with Harvey Whyte firing an effort wide after just three minutes, before Matty Birchall was crudely brought down as he comprehensively skinned two defenders, to deny a run on goal but not even a booking was given to the Litherland player. The free-kick came to nothing.

However, a quick counter attack in the 11th minute saw Litherland strike first as a deflected shot from James Hammill fell kindly to Ewan Catt who slotted the ball past Cheetham.

Vics were having a lot of the ball now, pressing forward but rarely threatened the Litherland defence.

Vics did come close though in the 34th minute as Ryan Jackson controlled the ball well when played in down the right and flashed a shot which beat Ryan Jones in the net for Litherland but Luke Denson was there to somehow clear the ball before it crossed the line.

Jones then made a great save to deny a Johnny Black shot to ensure Litherland preserved their goal lead as they went in for half time.

HALF-TIME: Northwich Vics 0 Litherland REMYCA 1

The second half followed the pattern of the first, with Vics dominating the possession, and looking more dangerous.

Matt Dudley was inches away at the far post from converting a shot which was fired in from the right, before Johnny Black stung the keeper's hands with a powerful shot after 54 minutes.

Vics then got their reward with a quickfire double.

Firstly, Ryan Jackson cut in from the right and fired a shot low past the keeper with the help of a slight deflection.

Then Harvey Whyte picked out Matthew Dudley in the box with a slide rule pass, he calmly turned his man and slotted the ball past Jones into the net for 2-1.

Vics were looking comfortable now, and nearly made the game safe after 83 minutes as a Joe Camozzi cross was powerfully headed towards goal by Ash Dunn, but he was denied by a world-class reaction save from Ryan Jones.

Vics were then made to rue their missed chances as, in the dying minutes, Litherland pushed forward, full-back Kieran Halligan beat his man, squared the ball to Lawless who took a touch before slotting the ball past Chris Cheetham.

A hard result to take after dominating the match which Vics should have put to bed way before the last minute drama.

However, the unbeaten run is now up to seven games and Vics will win games playing worse than they did on Wednesday night.

Match facts:

Northwich Victoria 2 Litherland REMYCA 2

North West Counties Premier Division

Wednesday 28th September 2022

At U Lock It Stadium, Wincham

Vics: Cheetham, Jackson R ( Camozzi 81'), Barski (Murray 85') Allen, Black, Bennett (Martin 87'), Jackson M (Mather 64'), Dunn (Graham 89'), Whyte, Birchall, Dudley.

GOALS:

Northwich Vics: Jackson R 57', Dudley 59'

Litherland: Catt 11', Lawless 90+3'

NEXT MATCH:

LEAGUE: SATURDAY 8th OCTOBER away at LOWER BRECK