Pete Tonge brings us his verdict of the Northwich Victoria victory over Winsford United in the Mid-Cheshire District Senior Cup Final...

VICS claimed the silverware with a deserved win against Winsford Utd in an open entertaining match in front of 437 fans.

In all fairness, the first half was a fairly drab affair with Vics gaining the ascendency as the half went on.

Ryan Jackson headed a Kuda Chingwaro free-kick straight at Aaron Lyons in the Winsford net after just two minutes, but the next threat on goal didn't come until the 24th minute.

Vics gained a corner from the right and Roman Allen met it with a powerful header but Lyons made a great save to keep things level.

Winsford then had a couple of efforts of their own, but debutant keeper for Vics, Bradley Rose, was equal to them.

Harvey Whyte was inches away from converting a cross from the impressive Chingwaro after he had skinned his full back after 32 minutes as Vics started to gain confidence.

Indeed they went ahead 10 minutes later as a great Jackson cross from the right was glanced into the net by Luke Sephton with a neat header.

Rose was quickly called into action in the second half when he was forced to get down quickly to claw a shot away from Woods, but it was Vics who scored next, and what a beauty it was.

Chingwaro found space 20 yards out and curled a sumptuous shot into the far corner giving Lyons no chance.

This meant that Winsford had to push forward more now, and they thought they had scored in the 61st minute as the ball ricocheted around the Vics goalmouth but some last-ditch defending stopped the ball going over the line.

Vics made the game safe after 75 minutes as Matt Dudley played the ball across to Jackson who turned his man and fired past Lyons to put Vics three up.

Winsford never gave up though, and were denied a consolation goal first by three top-class saves in quick succession by Rose in the 84th minute and then by another quality save in the final moments.

A match that Winsford never really got going in, with Vics fully deserving their win, not only on the night but for their efforts over the season.

A special word of mention for 18-year-old keeper Rose, who was brought in last minute to replace the injured Ryan Hamer.

His performance was top quality, and he showed great composure considering the occasion.

One match, one trophy, and he will surely go on to greater things – though what's better than winning with Vics!

Match facts:

Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup Final

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

At U Lock It Stadium, Northwich

Vics: Rose, Walker (Hayhurst 45'), Allen (Wood 91'), Barski, Clarke, Jackson (Sotona 87'), Whyte, Dunn (Cooney 86'), Sephton, Chingwaro (Martin 82'), Dudley.

Goals: Vics: Sephton 43', Chingwaro 54', Jackson 75'

Next match: League, Wednesday, March 29, home v Padiham, 7.45pm