NORTHWICH Victoria "shot themselves in the foot" as they exited the FA Vase at the hands of Bury AFC today, manager Steve Wilkes said.
Vics led at half time thanks to Ryan Winder's goal midway through the first half, but the visitors turned the game around after the break.
Having equalised two minutes after the break, Aidan Chippendale secured Bury's place in the hat for the second qualifying round with his second goal nine minutes from time.
Wilkes believes a sloppy start to the second half cost his side dearly as they surrendered the platform they had built for themselves before the break.
"We played well in the first half and deservedly went in 1-0 in front," he said.
"They were causing us problems from set-pieces which we knew about. We said to the players at half time that we needed to start the second half on the front foot, but we didn't do that.
"We didn't get out of the traps for 15-20 minutes.
"There's some miscommunication between two experienced lads in the middle of the park – their guy is 25 yards out and I'm expecting someone to come and close him down but they didn't.
"We've found our feet again and at 1-1, I wouldn't say both teams settled for penalties but I couldn't see either team scoring.
"We had a fantastic opportunity with Matty Birchall that he's put wide, then we go and shoot ourselves in the foot."
Vics must now pick themselves up again for a local 'derby' at Winsford United on Tuesday evening.
Post-match
— NVFC TV (@NVFCTV) September 11, 2021
@stevewilkes1
FA Vase v Bury (L)
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