NORTHWICH Victoria got what they deserved at Squires Gate on Tuesday, despite the eventual defeat coming so late.

It was a poor performance, with the winning goal in the 2-1 loss coming in added time.

Vics got off to a dream start when, in the fourth minute, Jamie Reed was on hand to place the ball into the back of the net after the Squires Gate keeper could only push out a strike from Tom Kilifin straight to him.

However, this was one of few highlights for Vics as Squires Gate upped the tempo and started winning the midfield.

In the 18th minute, Scott Reed, in the Vics net, had to make a great save, tipping the ball over the net from a great curling effort by Ing.

Squires Gate then forced a series of corners and the pressure was building.

Vics were again indebted to Scott Reed as he pulled off a fantastic reflex save to push a close range effort around the post.

However, there was nothing he could do, three minutes later, as Ing fired a volley into the far corner of the net for a deserved equaliser.

Vics tried to respond, and it took a tremendous save from Jordan Gidley to deny them, when a good cross from Ben Greenop found Jamie Reed 's head at the far post.

Just before half time, it was Jamie Reed again in the thick of it, as he found Greenop with a delightful pass but his first-time shot was well blocked for a corner.

A quiet start to the second half ensued before, in the 52nd minute, Michael Wilson flicked a free kick towards the back post where Tom Kilifin fired the ball home, but the referee had spotted a foul and disallowed the goal.

The second half proved to be short on goalmouth action from both teams, with Vics failing to get into their stride due to the hard working, and desire of the Squires Gate team who were constantly harrying them and winning second balls.

Two good saves from Scott Reed late on seemed to have earned a point for Vics as Gate looked the more likely to score but as injury time ticked away, Reed had to come out of his box and head clear, and the ball fell to Boyd who calmly slotted the ball into the empty net from 40 yards to give Gate the victory.

It was a well deserved victory for Squires Gate, as they wanted it more than Vics.

Vics' man of the match was Scott Reed, who pulled off some great saves to keep Vics in with a chance.

Vics: S Reed, Camozzi, Wilson, Kenny, Barski, Whyte ( Doran 77'), Clarke, Winder, Kilifin, J Reed, Greenop (Henderson 69'). Subs not used: FitzGerald, Vinten, Taberner.

Pete Tonge