Ahead of Northwich Victoria's trip to Charnock Richard tonight, Pete Tonge reflects on the Trickies' 10-match unbeaten run coming to an end at Wythenshawe on Saturday...

 

A deserved victory for Wythenshawe, though the scoreline was flattering for them.

Plenty to take from the match for Vics as they move on to tonight's match against Charnock Richard.

A much better performance in the second half, but Wythenshawe got the key decisions to take the three points.

A first half in which Vics never really got going allowed Wythenshawe to take control of the match.

Benito Lowe tested Cheetham first in the 8th minute as he tried a long range shot, whilst 4 minutes later, Vics had to clear from the line after a corner was headed back across the box.

Another corner met the head of Deane Smalley but he couldn't get it on target.

Vics didn't have their first chance until the 18th minute when Matt Dudley tested Wynne in the Town net with a good strike from distance.

Town did take the lead in the 23rd minute as Aaron Dwyer put in a low driven cross which was turned past Cheetham by Darius Palma.

Vics nearly struck back almost immediately as John Black struck a 35 yard free kick inches past the post but Town were still looking the better side.

Aaron Dwyer skied one over the bar, whilst Vics had to reorganise as Brandon Barski was forced off with an injury in the 39th minute.

Town nearly doubled their lead  just before half time, as an Aaron Dwyer ball into the box was nearly deflected into the net.

HALF-TIME:  Wythenshawe Town 1 Northwich Vics 0

Vics came out for the second half showing more determination and nearly had the ideal start as Dudley found Birchall just inside the area, but he fizzed his shot just over the bar.

A key moment was in the 62nd minute as Brad Byrne made a two footed high challenge on Martyn Jackson which the referee saw fit only to give a yellow card for the Town player. Maybe Town's persistent moaning and pressurising of the referee  was paying off!

Vics were still pressing though, and Wynne in the Town net was forced into a good save as Matty Birchall fired in a powerful shot  from the edge of the area.

Two minutes later, Town should have extended their lead as a mix up at the back allowed Palma a one on one against Cheetham but the Vics' keeper made a brilliant save to deny him.

Town were then awarded a penalty kick in the 70th minute as Benito Lowe was allegedly brought down. Brad Byrne fired it low to Cheetham's right.

Vics were dispirited now, and Palma, then Jordan Burton had chances for Town before a good move in the 86th minute led to a fine cross from Burton which was expertly finished on the volley by Palma to make it three. 

Match facts:

Wythenshawe Town 3 Northwich Victoria 0

North West Counties Football League Premier Division

Saturday 15th October 2022 

At Ericstan Park, Wythenshawe

Vics: Cheetham,  Camozzi , Barski (Martin 39' ), Allen, Black, Bennett, Mather ( Jackson M 45), Walker (Muhammad, Siyam 86'), Dunn, Birchall), Dudley. Subs not used: Clarke, Soman Muhammad

GOALS:

Wythenshawe: Palma 23, 86', Byrne 70' pen

NEXT MATCHES:

League, tonight: Charnock Richard v Vics, 7.45pm

October 26: Vics v Longridge Town, 7.45pm