Report by Peter Tonge

NORTHWICH Victoria grabbed their first league win of the season on Saturday after a shaky start.

Vics started slowly with Longridge having the majority of the early play, but they failed to make their superiority count.

Indeed, they created few real chances despite their possession and it wasn't until the ninth minute that they created their first as Jack Anderton beat his man down the right and crossed to Scott Harries at the far post, who couldn't keep his header down.

In the 18th minute, Vics keeper Mike Hale had his first real save to make as he reacted quickly to divert the ball wide from a Longridge shot.

Vics were finally getting a foothold in the game now and after 20 minutes, Matty Clarke won the ball deep in the Longridge half and strode forward before firing a shot straight at the keeper when Darrhyl Mason was well placed.

Three minutes later, it was Matty Birchall's turn to try a shot which was well saved by Longridge's keeper Lee Dovey after he was well laid in by Louis Potts.

Vics were pressing more now and just a minute later, Mason used his change in pace to beat two men down the left before firing a shot in which was well saved low down by Dovey.

Vics took the lead after 33 minutes as Clarke did excellently to win the ball back in midfield before laying a pass into Dave Sherlock, who fired a great strike from 25 yards into the back of the net.

The next minute, Clarke was again in the thick of the action as he fired another shot just wide.

Vics were in control now and limited Longridge to a shot from distance which Hale covered easily as the time ticked down to half time.

After a quiet opening to the second half, Vics extended their lead with a quality goal.

Potts left his full-back for dead down the right before linking up with Joe Camozzi, who went to the byline before dinking a perfect cross over for the unmarked Ash Dunn to head home from five yards.

Three minutes later, Vics should have had a third as Birchall was again laid in one on one with the keeper by Potts, but the keeper came out on top.

They came even closer from the resultant corner as Brandon Barski's glancing header forced Dovey into a quality save, tipping the ball over the top.

Vics were well on top now and were attacking with intent as Dovey again had to save well, this time from Mason.

Longridge did force Hale into a save with his legs in the 68th minute as Watkinson was allowed too much time in the box but Vics were generally coping well with Town's attacks and always looked dangerous as they counter-attacked quickly with Birchall always a danger.

Vics were denied a penalty in the 79th minute as Birchall was brought down in the area as he spun his man, but the referee ignored it and play went on.

88 minutes in, another superb move should have led to a goal as Birchall fed substitute Saul Henderson, who laid the ball back to Callum Jones but his side-footed shot was blocked for a corner.