NORTHWICH Victoria’s players didn’t hide their disappointment following a penalty shoot-out defeat against Chertsey Town in yesterday’s FA Vase semi-final second leg at Alwyns Lane.
However they shared their pride, and thanked supporters too, after narrowly missing out on a Wembley date with Cray Valley PM in next month’s final.
Here’s how they reacted on social media after full-time:
Coaching staff
It is fitting that Steve Wilkes should have the first word
I’d like to thank all my staff @NorthwichVicsFC and the superb fans. We’re on an incredible journey and this is only the beginning... To all my players who’ve listened and worked so hard, we’ve still so much to achieve together. Starting tomorrow night 💚💚💚
— Steve Wilkes (@stevewilkes1) March 31, 2019
Here's what Steve Pickup, his number two, had to say
@NorthwichVicsFC I would like to say a huge thank you to all of our brilliant supporters who have stood by us this season and especially in the FA Vase Run. You guys are the best I’ve come across and deserve success and memories. You have been brilliant all season. Thank you 💚⚽️
— Steve Viper Security (@lilysavage12345) March 31, 2019
Those thoughts were echoed by first-team coach Scott Campbell
Don’t think it’s sunk in yet, gutted to go out in the semis to a pen shoot out but the way we got here has been unbelievable beating some of the favourites right from the off. Time to regroup refocus and finish the league and county cup strong.@NorthwichVicsFC
— Scott Campbell (@ScottCampbell07) March 31, 2019
Players
Captain Brad Cooke shares his appreciation
I wanted my day in the sun with this fantastic group of players... but it’s not meant to be! I am devastated but I will look back and be proud one day 💚 big thanks for all the messages, I am lucky to have so many good people in my life x
— Brad Cooke (@bcsharpedge) March 30, 2019
Goalkeeper Danny Taberner was one of Vics' best individual performers
Heartbroken is not the word , to lose on penalties. But football is a funny old game what a journey it’s been . Thanks again for the traveling fans 👏🏻👏🏻⚽️
— Danny Taberner (@dannytab_13) March 30, 2019
Matty Clarke was moments away from playing at Wembley for his boyhood club
Never been so gutted in my life funny old game, proud of all the boys heads up go again @NorthwichVicsFC 💚 fans were unreal as always sorry we couldn’t make the dream happen 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬
— Matty Clarke (@mattyclarke07) March 30, 2019
Brandon Barski was outstanding at the heart of Northwich's back-four
Really am gutted about today’s result but couldn’t be more proud of the lads , the fans was yet again fantastic and a credit to the club 💚⚽️@NorthwichVicsFC
— brandon barski (@BrandonBarski) March 30, 2019
Joel Brownhill paid tribute to his teammates
Well suppose it wasn’t meant to be! The lads grafted until the very end and luck just wasn’t on our side today! Al the boys are gutted but proud of the journey that we’ve been on! Top set of lads! @NorthwichVicsFC
— Joel Brownhill (@brownhill123) March 30, 2019
Full-back Jack Fleming summed it up succintly
Heartbreaking football at times.
— Jack Fleming (@jackfleming99) March 30, 2019
Harvey Whyte, a goal-scorer for Vics in the first leg, watched much of the second from the bench
Devastated to go out yesterday on pens, knowing That I couldn’t do anything from the sideline makes me so angry. Had some Amazing memories in the fa vase which I will never forget ⚽️@NorthwichVicsFC #FAVASE
— Harvey Whyte (@HarveyWhyte2) March 31, 2019
And substitute goalkeeper Thomas Scott echoed his teammates' sentiments
Gutted for the lads today, football is cruel and penalties is always a lottery! Great effort from everyone involved and over 200 fans made their way down is an awesome effort! Always next year 👊🏻💚 @NorthwichVicsFC
— Thomas Scott (@Tomscott1808) March 30, 2019
The opposition
A word from Dave Anderson, Chertsey Town's manager
Many people won’t understand what that means to me Steve But u will Proper Manager 1000 plus games but proper guy except for blue WKD I wish u and ur club every success https://t.co/DY35Jvsl97
— Dave Anderson (@daveanderson78) March 31, 2019
And Kevin Maclaren, the Curfews' captain
Northwich were a very strong team and gave us the 2 toughest games we’ve had this season. Delighted for people like Barney, Dave Rayner and the gaffer who have made this possible. It will be an honour to lead us out at Wembley. Now let’s get the league won 👊🏻🔵⚪️
— Kevin Maclaren (@KevinMaclaren) March 31, 2019
And, finally, the club's official account
Commiserations to @NorthwichVicsFC they certainly played there part over the 2 legs, safe journey home to all
— Chertsey Town FC (@TheCurfews) March 30, 2019
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