Pete Tonge reflects on Northwich Victoria's weekend visit to FC Isle of Man, which ended in a 3-1 success for the visitors...

 

VICS lit up bonfire night with a  sparkling display against a good Isle of Man team.

Vics very nearly got off to a flyer, as in the first minute Matt Dudley got through and rounded the keeper, but  Sam Caine raced back to clear the ball from the line.

It was a bright start from both teams though, first Whitley curled a shot just over the bar for Isle of Man, then Dudley headed just wide from a Sotono cross for Vics.

However it was Isle of Man who took the lead in the 12th minute as a corner was swung into the near post and Luke Murray was there unmarked to easily head home from just a few yards out.  A poor goal to concede.

The match had settled down now, with Vics probing for the equaliser while Isle of Man try to get down the flanks and cross for danger man Luke Murray.

Brandon Barski had an effort from a free kick comfortably saved in the 21st minute for Vics, then Quaye headed over from a corner to Isle of Man.

Vics were having most of the ball now, with Damola Sotona twisting and turning like a catherine wheel to try and find an opening for Vics, but Isle of Man's defence stood resolute.

Then on the stroke of half time, Joe Camozzi found space down the right, and crossed, the ball was flicked on and eventually fell to Ash Dunn who prodded the ball home to equalise.

It was so nearly two for Vics, as just a minute later Dudley ran on to a through ball to be one on one with the keeper. He dinked the ball over him but it went agonisingly inches wide of the post.

HALF-TIME: Isle of Man 1 Northwich Vics 1

Vics started the second half on the front foot and were awarded a penalty in the 51st minute as Matty Birchall's pot shot was clearly handled inside the area. Harvey Whyte confidently stepped up to fire the ball into the bottom right hand corner to send the large Vics support delirious. 

Vics were having most of the ball though Cheetham did excellently to post a backwards header from Quaye around the post after a long throw came in.

Vics were managing the game well now, keeping hold of the ball and restricting Isle of Man to hopeful long-range shots.

They finally put the game beyond reach in the 84th minute as Birchall fed Dudley inside the box and he found the bottom right corner with his shot.

Vics easily saw out the final few minutes, despite the referee adding 6 additional minutes, to gain the win which led to great celebrations from fans and players together which continued into the early hours of the morning in Douglas.

The final word goes to the Isle of Man fans who made the whole experience of our trip over truly memorable, for which we thank them greatly.

True football fans, helpful and friendly which led to the many Vics fans who travelled over to have such a great time, especially in The Pinewood before the match. What a weekend it was.

Match facts:

FC Isle of Man 1 Northwich Victoria 3

North West Counties Premier Division

FC Isle of Man 1 Northwich Victoria 3

Saturday 5th November 2022 

At The Bowl, Douglas

Vics: Cheetham,  Camozzi,  Allen, Black, Barski,, Dunn, Whyte ( Bennett 94'), Walker (Mather 90'), Sotona ( Chingwaro 78'), Birchall ( Martin 88'), Dudley. Unused subs: Jackson, M

GOALS:

Isle of Man: Murray 12'

Vics: Dunn 44', Whyte 51' Pen, Dudley 84'

NEXT MATCH:

WEDNESDAY: League, Vics v AFC Bury at U Lock It Stadium