A detailed look at Northwich Victoria's 5-1 thrashing of Squires Gate courtesy of Pete Tonge...

THIS was a match in which Vics were in control for long periods, capped with some great finishing.

Vics were on top from the start, and nearly went ahead in the 3rd minute when a near post header from a corner was cleared by a mixture of Pennington in the Squires Gate net and the post.

Six minutes later, a cross from Joe Camozzi was brought down well by Roman Allen who turned but his shot was blocked.

Squires Gate had their first shot in the 11th minute when Callum Sandle did well to beat two men but his shot was straight at Chris Cheetham.

Vics took the lead in the 17th minute as a free-kick was sent into the box and Kuda Chingwaro guided a header into the top corner from just inside the area. Great header.

Three minutes later, it was two, and an even better goal as the ball was headed clear by a Gate defender to the onrushing Martyn Jackson who rifled the ball on the volley into the net, giving Pennington no chance.

And then five minutes later, Harvey Whyte spotted the keeper off his line and sent a shot from just inside the Gate half which Pennington had to scramble back for and touch the ball around the post.

Vics were playing some wonderful football now, and in the 30th minute, Chingwaro sent a defence splitting pass through to Ryan Jackson cutting in from the right who fired a first time effort just into the side netting.

However it was Squires Gate who scored next , as Cheetham made a good save, but the ball was recycled to the left side of the box where James Boyd fired a shot into the net via a deflection giving Cheetham no chance.

This didnt deter Vics though, and right on the stroke of half time, they restored their two-goal lead as the impressive Chingwaro sent a shot from the edge of the area which took a big deflection and trickled past Pennington into the net.

Then in the 3rd minute of injury time, Vics were convinced that they should have had a penalty as Ryan Jackson jinked into the box and was promptly brought down. Certainly looked like a penalty but the referee had other ideas!

HALF-TIME: Northwich Vics 3 Squires Gate 1

The second half started as the first half ended with Vics on top.

Matt Dudley turned well in the box, but his shot was well cleared, then Ryan Jackson again jinked into the box and fired a shot in which was deflected for a corner.

Vics finally got their fourth goal in the 58th minute as a dummy from Dudley left Ash Dunn in space, and he took a touch and finished well into the corner of the net. Another fine finish.

Ten minutes later, it was five, and they left the best til last. Some beautiful one touch football led to Dunn feeding Dudley in the middle of the box, and he vollied the ball into the net with Pennington having no chance.

The match was over now, and Vics comfortably played out time.

Another all round team display was highlighted by some great goals as Vics move into 5th position in the league and keep up the chase on the leaders.

Match facts:

Northwich Victoria 5 Squires Gate 1

North West Counties Premier Division

Wednesday 30th November 2022

At U Lock It Stadium, Northwich

Vics: Cheetham, Camozzi (Mather 30'), Allen, Barski, Bennett, Jackson R, Walker, Jackson M (Dunn 43'), Whyte, Chingwaro, Dudley

GOALS: Northwich Vics: Chingwaro 17' 45', Jackson M 20', Dunn 58', Dudley 68'. Squires Gate: Boyd 37'

NEXT MATCHES:

LEAGUE: SATURDAY 3rd DECEMBER away v PRESTWICH HEYS 3.00pm LEAGUE: WEDNESDAY 7th DECEMBER home v LONGRIDGE TOWN 7.45pm