Pete Tonge looks back over Northwich Victoria's 3-1 win at AFC Liverpool on Saturday...
NORTHWICH Vics produced an excellent performance in the heat to ruin AFC Liverpool's 100% record at the start of the North West Counties League Premier Division campaign.
It was a thoroughly entertaining and top quality match, with Vics making the ball do the work in what was a commanding display for the majority of the match and a well deserved three points.
Credit goes to both teams though for producing such a game in such searing heat.
A keenly contested start to the match ensued with both sides passing the ball around well.
AFC Liverpool's Will McCarthy forced Vics' keeper Chris Cheetham into a fine save in the 10th minute but it was Vics that took the lead in the 19th minute.
Ash Dunn slid the ball through to Matt Dudley down the right channel and he dinked the ball across the area where Harvey Whyte stole in to head the ball past McGovern in the AFC net for his first goal since his return to Vics this season.
Vics were looking in control of the match now, playing the ball around well, keeping hold of the ball and making AFC Liverpool work hard in the searing heat.
However in the 36th minute, Tom Douglas beat 3 players in the box as Vics' defence stood off him, played a 1-2 and placed the return ball past Cheetham for AFC's equaliser.
The second half started off evenly, both teams playing fine flowing football despite the heat with Vics having most of the possession and keeping hold of the ball well.
Liverpool's James Howell long range shot produced an excellent save from Cheetham while Liam Martin's snap shot for Vics was brilliantly saved by McGovern in the AFC Liverpool net.
Both teams were probing looking for an opening, but it was Vics who got the break through as Liam Martin burst into the area, and was abruptly upended!
Up stepped Harvey Whyte to slam the resultant penalty into the net.
Vics were looking confident now, despite AFC Liverpool pushing hard for an equaliser, and they were managing the game well giving little away at the back.
Vics put the result beyond doubt in the 89th minute as substitute Ryan Jackson ran across the penalty area from the right, and dragged a left foot shot into the far corner to send the Vics fans into raptures.
Vics: Cheetham, Camozzi, Allen, Barski, Bennett, Whyte (Jackson R), Winder , Jackson M ( Graham 44') (Dunne 85'), Dunn, Martin, Dudley ( Avraam). Un-used subs: Khochtali
Vics are away to Winsford United tonight, kick-off 7.45pm, and then switch to FA Cup action at home to West Didsbury & Chorlton on Friday, kick-off 7.45pm.
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