VICS threw away two points after again failing to take their chances.

They started off with two new signings, Max Chimenes and Roman Allen in their starting line-up.

It was a quiet start to the match with Casuals having the first chance when they broke quickly from a Vics corner but their shot was weak and keeper Adam Reid saved easily.

In the 10th minute, Vics struck the post albeit from a wayward cross-cum-shot which bamboozled the Casuals keeper.

A minute later, Allen headed straight at the keeper as Unwin curled a free-kick into the box.

Casuals then should have taken the lead in the 25th minute as their striker delayed his shot when presented with an open goal and allowed Matty Clarke to get back to superbly tackle him and clear the ball.

Vics were then denied a penalty when Sam Unwin was chopped down in the box, but the referee waved play on.

It was a first half where Vics had the better chances but Vics had to rely on Reid on a couple of occasions. 

Vics started the second half well with Unwin flashing a free kick just wide, then Ethan Gough hit the post from almost point blank range as the ball fell to him at the far post.

Vics did manage to take the lead in the 58th minute as Perry and Chimenes did well to win the ball in the penalty area, and the ball fell to Gough 12 yards out who fired into the net via a deflection.

However, Casuals were quickly back on level terms as they were set free down the right and the cross fell to Joe Drakeley who tapped home at the far post.

Reid then had to produce a great save three minutes later to deny Casuals a second before first Perry had a shot just wide for Vics, and then Chimenes slammed a shot in which was well blocked.

Casuals were reduced to 10 men as Yates was sent off for a horrible lunge on Gough.

Vics pressed for a winner with Unwin having a shot deflected just wide, and then Barrett in the Casuals net produced a top-class save to tip a Sultan header over the bar in the 86th minute.

Reid responded with a great save of his own when Casuals had a one-on-one.

Then in virtually the last minute, Vics should have grabbed the winner as a great cross floated over the Casuals defender to substitute Sam Lynch who was free in the area, but he hurried his effort and fired over the bar when he had more time than he thought.

Match facts:

Northwich Vics 1 Wolverhampton Casuals 1

Midland League Premier

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Barton Stadium, Winsford

Vics: Reid, Ogundare, Barski, Allen, Clarke, Gough, Grindrod (Farmer 72’), McWilliams (Parker 79’), Perry (Sultan 73’), Unwin (Lynch 88’), Chimenes. Sub not used: Camara.

Goals: Vics: Gough 58’. Casuals: Drakeley 61’.

Next match: Tonight, Tuesday, league game home v Dudley Town, 8pm