Pete Tonge casts his eye over Northwich Victoria defeating Cheadle Town 2-0 in Saturday's Macron League Cup second-round tie...

 

THERE was a fairly even start to the match with Cheadle passing the ball around well, and Vics probing down the wings.

Chris Cheetham was the first keeper to be tested in the third minute as Cheadle's Kaleb Parkinson ran through before firing a powerful shot which was saved well.

Vics' first real chance came in the 18th minute as a free kick was put into the box where Matt Dudley headed wide.

A minute later, Febian Brandy's shot for Cheadle was saved low down by Cheetham.

It was Vics who took the lead in the 29th minute as a corner was cleared out to Joe Camozzi, who crossed it back into the box, where the ball eventually fell to Matty Birchall who slotted the ball into the net.

Cheadle went close in the 33rd minute as a long-range shot from Charlie Mulgrew went inches over the bar.

HALF-TIME: Northwich Vics 1 Cheadle Town 0

Vics started the second half on the front foot and Birchall went close, while three minutes later the ball fell to Matt Dudley in the box but he couldn't get a touch with an open goal beckoning.

Birchall again went close in the 57th minute, forcing Lathom into a good save from an angled shot.

Cheadle had a rare chance in the 60th minute as Tom Murray unleashed a shot from range which Cheetham did well to save low down.

Vics should have got a second in the 69th minute as a cross found Dudley unmarked four yards out but he directed his header straight at Lathom.

However, Vics did get the second they deserved in the 76th minute as substitute Ryan Jackson escaped down the right, cut in and fired a shot off the post into the back of the net. A great strike.

Cheadle started pressing more now, and Adam Jones shot wide from close range before Cheetham pulled off a stunning save to tip a Parkinson strike on to the bar and away to safety.

Vics were now closing the game down well, and letting Cheadle have the ball in non dangerous positions though Cheadle nearly got a consolation goal in the final minute but Cheetham was again equal to Parkinson's shot from close range.

It was a professional display by Vics to produce a hard fought victory over a Cheadle Town team who just lacked that finishing touch at important times.

Match facts:

Northwich Victoria 2 Cheadle Town 0

Macron League Cup second round, Saturday 19th November 2022

At U Lock It Stadium, Northwich

Vics: Cheetham,  Camozzi,  Allen, Barski, Bennett, Whyte, Dunn, Jackson M (Mather 57'), Sotona (Jackson R 62'), Birchall (Chigwaro 85'), Dudley Subs not used: Whalley, Walker

GOALS: Northwich Vics: Birchall 29', Jackson R 76'

NEXT MATCH: North West Counties League Premier Division: Wednesday,  home v Charnock Richard, 7.45pm