NORTHWICH Victoria fell at the first hurdle in the FA Trophy for the third successive season, perhaps a predictable place for their unbeaten run to stop.

Their last success in non-league’s FA Cup was almost three years ago.

But few can argue that Fleetwood Town, themselves alien to the feeling of losing in front of their own fans this term, were worthy winners.

“They were the better team,” conceded Vics boss Andy Preece.

“But we ran them close.”

He’s right, kind of.

Vics were below their best – much as they were at Hyde United last week – but still crafted enough chances to make the contest a more even one.

Michael Connor was twice denied by keeper Craig Dootson’s foot and, when the hosts’ custodian was not in his way, he sliced wide when it seemed easier to score.

Fleetwood are not forgiving.

Their start had been smarter and swifter, Tom Cahill forcing James Spencer to make a stunning reaction save – using instinct rather than inspiration – on eight minutes.

Former Northwich wing man Jamie Mullan supplied the centre and, after cutting in from the touchline, repeated the trick soon afterwards.

This time Cahill, sneaking between Vics’ two central defenders, steered his header home.

Preece had picked Mat Bailey as the point of his attack in the absence of Jonny Allan – preferring not to start with Declan Edwards – but it was an experiment that brought only mixed results.

The defender-turned-striker nodded Ian Herring’s throw back towards Wayne Riley on the edge of the box after 24 minutes, and Vics’ FA Cup goal hero forced Dootson to tip over.

But Northwich, still searching for the cohesion with which Charlton could not cope a fortnight ago, offered only a sporadic threat.

Fleetwood’s shot-stopper flopped onto Bailey’s header at the start of the second half , while at the other end former Witton Albion enforcer Steve Connors saw his nodded effort skim the bar.

The visitors’ first clear sight of goal came soon after the hour when Connor’s drive forced Dootson at his near post after Ryan Brown’s deep centre had been helped on by Bailey.

But Fleetwood finished the job on 69 minutes when substitute Michael Wilde steered a smart volley past Spencer less than 60 seconds after replacing Cahill.

It was his first touch.

Connor was less assured with his next effort, slicing horribly wide of goal with only defender Shaun Beeley to beat after a ball had topped to him in the box.

He did hit the target in the last minute from Edwards’ cut-back, but Dootson again blocked with a leg.

Fleetwood Dootson (GK), Beeley, McNulty, Taylor, Hills, Mullan, McGuire, Connors (Pond 80), Torpey (Clancy 60), Cahill (Wilde 68), Warlow
Subs not used Hurst (GK), Rogan
Goal Cahill 13, Wilde 69
Booked Dootson (foul)

Vics Spencer (GK), Aspin, Kerr, Grand, Ryan Brown, Connor, Herring (Elam 76), D’Laryea (Winter 76), Riley, Bailey, Newby (Edwards 60)
Subs not used Aspden (GK), Allan
Booked Riley, Grand, Aspin, D’Laryea, Edwards (fouls) Herring (dissent)

Referee Jason Whiteley (West Yorkshire)
Attendance 847