STEVE Wilkes featured a new-look backline in Northwich Victoria's 1-1 draw at his former club Padiham.

Phillip Clarke (Conwy Borough) featured in the heart of the defence, while Mike Hale (Bamber Bridge) took over goalkeeping duties.

Another new midweek signing, Joshua Winder from Lancaster City, did not feature on a day when experienced midfielder or striker Jamie Reed, injured with hamstring trouble for the past month, announced on Twitter that his time with Vics has come to an end.



 

As for the game itself, Padiham took a 55th-minute lead through Luke Noble but Vics earned a share of the spoils courtesy of Kevin Pollard's net finder on 70 minutes.

The draw leaves Vics in 11th place in the North West Counties Premier Division without a win in four matches.

Supporters will be hoping form goes out of the window for the Boxing Day derby with table-toppers 1874 Northwich at Wincham Park.