Pete Tonge looks back over Northwich Victoria's exit from the Midland League Cup this week with a 2-0 loss at Uttoxeter Town...

VICS crashed out of the Midland League Cup after the proverbial game of two halves.

Vics should have been 2 or 3 up by half time, then never turned up for the second half.

A much-changed Vics team were quick out of the blocks and should have been  a goal up within 2 minutes as Callum Parker did well to steal the ball and advance one on one with the keeper, but failed to find the finish to beat him.

Russo and Perry were looking dangerous down the wings, and it was Perry who flicked the ball into the box in the 15th minute to find Parker in front of his man, who promptly pushed him over, when he only had the keeper to beat. Penalty?  Apparently not according to the referee!

The Vics defence was looking firm at the back, with Kier Barry having little to do.

Vics hit the crossbar in the 29th minute as a corner came back out to Alex Bennett on the edge of the box, and his shot was deflected to end up hitting the top of the bar.

Minutes later, Perry again set up Parker but his shot was just over the bar.

Parker then nearly found the corner of the net after being found by Bennett as Vics kept pressing but just failing with the final ball or shot.

The second half was a completely different affair with Vics looking a different team.

They put little together and scarcely threatened the Uttoxeter net.

Town pushed forward and had a couple of efforts before they took a quick free kick which took Vics by surprise and  they easily slid the ball past Vics' keeper Barry to go one up.

Marcus Perry was then sin binned for complaining, and although Connor Russo had a shot well saved after breaking into Town's box, it was no surprise when Uttoxeter increased their lead, and what a strike it was.

Vics gave away a cheap free kick 20 yards out, which was superbly struck into the top corner of the Vics net giving Barry absolutely no chance.

Vics never looked likely to get back into the match after this.

Match facts:

Uttoxeter Town 2 Northwich Victoria 0

Midland League Cup

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

At Oldfields

Vics: Barry, Ogundare ( Biddle 78'), Williams, Saunders ( Cook 83'), Bennett ( Gee 72'), Perry ( Hill 84'), Smith, Pennington ( Kelly 58'), Torjussen, Russo, Parker.

Goals: Uttoxeter 60', 75'

Next match: Saturday, November 9, Midland League Premier Division, away to Romulus, 7.45pm.