Pete Tonge reflects on Northwich Victoria's first pre-season friendly at Llandudno...

AN entertaining and productive start to Vics' pre-season campaign as they came out 4-3 winners against Llandudno FC on a lovely summer's day by the sea.

Vics started off quickly and stormed into a three-goal lead inside the first half hour or so.

Firstly Matty Birchall responded quickest and shot home a rebound after a shot had come off the post after a corner was only half cleared after just five minutes.

The second came on 14 minutes as the dangerous Liam Martin whipped in a cross from the left which the Llandudno defender could only head past his own keeper.

A corner in the 34th minute provided the third as Brandon Barski flicked a header home.

Llandudno grabbed one back on the stroke of half time after a mix up in the Vics' defence, an incident which saw keeper Chris Cheetham go off injured to be replaced by youngster Josh Egerton.

The second half, with plenty of substitutes, provided good flowing football with Llandudno pulling another goal back after 65 minutes with an angled shot from the corner of the box.

A youthful Vics were looking dangerous going forward and both Sherlock and Winder were unlucky not to add to the score.

Llandudno kept pressing and got an equaliser in the 85th minute as Sam Jones was on hand to knock the ball home after a long-range shot was parried out by the Vics' keeper.

However, Vics grabbed a late winner in the last minute as youngster Jimmy Woodward played a fine through ball for Jan McPherson to run on to and slot confidently past the keeper.

All in all, excellent preparation and a fine result for a Vics team that ended up with a very youthful looking side.

The second match of pre-season is a special one for both Vics and their components as Steve Wilkes' men visit Coppull United for the George Melling Memorial Trophy tonight.

George died earlier this year from motor neurone disease.

He played for both Vics and Coppull during his footballing career and this match will be a fitting tribute to himself and to raise awareness and funds for the charity MNDA, who are one of Vics' charity partners this season.

Kick-off is 7.15pm.

Vics will have Joe Camozzi, Ash Dunn and Roman Allen, who all missed Saturday's match, available, while some of the youngsters who impressed in Saturday's 4-3 win against Llandudno will be hoping for another chance to shine.

Ground address: Blainscough Park, Springfield Road, Coppull, Lancashire, PR7 5EJ