Pete Tonge gives his verdict on Northwich Victoria’s 3-0 loss away to Bishop Auckland in the FA Vase…

A HARD task was made harder for Vics by injuries, but no complaints as Bishop Auckland ran out worthy winners.

Any match plan Vics may have had was thrown into disarray within 15 minutes as firstly Joe Camozzi and then Marcus Perry had to be substituted for injuries.

A quiet start by both teams although Vics had the first chance after just 4 minutes as a Mills cross was headed just wide by Perry.

Bishop Auckland were being restricted to long range shots but went close in the 29th minute as Herrington headed wide from a corner.

Adam Reid then produced a great save to deny Johnson before Gott hammered a free kick against the Vics post as Bishop Auckland piled on the pressure.

Vics were holding firm though and were unlucky not to be given a penalty as Sam Unwin drove into the area, beat his man and was promptly hacked down….a clear penalty to most, except the referee!

Bishop Auckland then hit the bar again as Giles cut inside and fired a shot in, and a minute later Johnson struck another effort just over the bar.

Then in the 4th minute of added on time in the first half, Vics messed up a short corner, and Bishop Auckland went down the other end, earned a corner of their own which was cleared to Gott on the edge of the area, and he fired low into the corner of the net. Reid was quickly called into action in the second half to deny Errington but Bishop Auckland extended their lead in the 54th minute when Johnson did well in the corner and laid the ball back to Burlace who crossed first time for Henderson to place a free header past Reid into the net.

Johnson then smashed a shot against a post two minutes later as Bishop Auckland took full control of the match.

They again rattled the woodwork in the 65th minute as Henderson headed a corner across goal for May to go close.

Vics were reduced to hopeful long-range shots but did go close as a well worked corner routine led Parker to fire a low shot in which was well saved.

Bishop Auckland made the game safe in the 77th minute as Henderson fired a well struck shot into the corner of the net.

Match facts:

Bishop Auckland v Northwich Victoria

Isuzu FA Vase first round

Saturday, October 21, 2023

At Heritage Park

Vics: Reid, Camozzi (Fitxgerald 8’) Griman, Battersby, Clarke, Kilheeney, Grindrod, Switters, Perry (Parker 13’), Unwin (Camara 75’), Mills.

Goals: Bishop Auckland: Gott 45+4’, Henderson 54’, 77’ .

Next match: Bewdley Town v Northwich Vics, Saturday, November 4, kick-off 3pm.