ANDY Preece believes Vics’ unbeaten run was ended by the best team his players have faced this season.

Fleetwood Town eased through to the FA Trophy’s first round after scoring in each half to become the first opponent to beat Northwich since September 5 – a run of 13 matches in league and cup.

“They were the better team,” he conceded afterwards.

“I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say they are the best we’ve played this season, but I still felt we were always in the game.

“If we’d taken one of the chances we had just after half time then perhaps it would have been a different story.”

Tom Cahill steered a header past James Spencer on 13 minutes to put the Fishermen – who are still to lose in front of their own supporters this season – in front.

Substitute Michael Wilde scored with his first touch – a volley – to convert fellow replacement Sean Clancy’s cross in the second half.

At the other end Michael Connor forced Craig Dootson to save twice with his foot, then sliced wide with the goal at his mercy.

“They caused us a number of problems but the two goals we conceded were poor,” added Preece.

“I’m disappointed but we ran in to a good team and they had the quality to punished us. It’s tough to take because I wanted us to go on a run in this competition.

“But we just weren’t quite at it. There’s room for improvement, no doubt about it, and we can play better than we showed.

“We didn’t go out with a whimper.

“I can remember James Spencer only making one real save while we forced their keeper to stop shots on three or four occasions in the second half.”

Preece sprung a surprise by using Mat Bailey at the point of his front three, bringing in Nat Kerr alongside captain Simon Grand at the heart of the defence, while Lee Elam was left out.

Jonny Allan, struggling with a knee complaint, was rested.

“In parts it worked, in others it didn’t,” was Preece’s verdict on Bailey’s change of position.

“We know he can play up there because has done it with some success for us before. I was thinking about throwing Jonny on at 1-0 but once they got the second goal I changed my mind.

“He’ [Jonny Allan] has not been able to train this week and we have to make sure we look after him. I felt because of that it was right to give him a break.”

Vics’ afternoon to forget was made worse by referee Jason Whiteley, who booked six visitors.

It will earn them a fine from the Football Association.

Preece spent more than quarter of an hour speaking to the match official after the final whistle.

“I don’t see how he’s got to six bookings while only their keeper got a yellow card,” he said.

“There were some strong challenges going in but from players on both teams.

“I’m really unhappy in particular with those for Jon [D’Laryea] and Simon [Grand]. I made the referee aware of that but there’s not much else I can do.”