NORTHWICH Victoria and Winsford United will go into Tuesday night’s ‘derby’ on the back of fine away wins on Saturday.
Midland League Premier Division leaders Vics won 3-0 at Stourport Swifts despite some disruption through illness.
There were three late call-ups due to players – and some management staff - falling sick overnight but Vics knuckled down regardless.
All three goals came in the second half, courtesy of Jefferson Abreu (47mins), Sean Cooke (70mins) and Will Lloyd (84mins), while the hosts were reduced to 10 men though their performance improved after the red card.
It was Vics’ highest win away from home since their 3-0 success at Tividale on October 4.
“It was a difficult game in windy conditions on a soft pitch,” said Vics manager Lee Duckworth.
“These raise their game when good teams come to town and that’s what they did.
“Full credit to our lads for sticking in there and putting it to bed.
“The red card helped them. It galvanised them somewhat and they started to play football, play through the lines a little bit and we probably dropped off a little bit which is normal when the opponents get a red card.
“But I don’t think we were in any danger of losing.
“It was frustrating that we had some chances earlier that would have put the game to bed a bit earlier, but you take what you can get and it’s a good away win.”
Meanwhile, Winsford United recorded their biggest win of the season at struggling Highgate United.
Striker Ollie Pope netted a 20-minute hat-trick in the first half of his side’s 7-1 victory.
He was also brought down in the box after his treble, resulting in a penalty which Kal Boyle put away and Pope still had time to hit a post before the half ended 5-0 with the striker replaced at the interval.
There was little let-up for the hosts though because his replacement Niza Chilufya hit the target for the two goals after the break.
Matty Birchall was Blues’ other scorer, hitting the mark between Pope’s second and third goals.
Winsford are 10th in the table with at least two games in hand on the sides above them ahead of hosting Vics at Barton Stadium on Tuesday night, kick-off 7.45pm.
Also in the Midland League, 1874 Northwich eventually saw off Coton Green 1-0 at Townfield.
They missed a glut of chances before Dale Jennings volleyed home a stunning winner in the 85th minute.
John McGrath has returned to the club and was a stand-out performer in midfield.
Witton Albion showed much improvement in their goalless draw at Mossley.
Manager Ben Harrison called for the response after their 1-0 home loss to Newcastle Town a week earlier.
Albion had quite a lot of the play in the first half and the second period was played in their opponents’ half for large periods, but they were unable to make the most of the few chances they created.
They will feel harshly treated about an early penalty claim being waved away by the referee, but club photographer Karl Brooks’ picture clearly shows the ball was handled in the box by a Mossley player.
Tom Hoyle had an effort from a long throw and Freddie Garbutt went through on goal but neither were able to find the net.
Albion, with just one defeat in five games, are 12th in Northern Premier League West.
They will visit Atherton Collieries next Saturday.
