NORTHWICH Victoria’s superb home win against play-offs rivals Dudley Town on Saturday confirmed they would finish no lower than second in the Midland League Premier Division.
Goals from AJ Kandeke (17mins) and Jefferson Abreu (52) at a blustery Apec Taxis Stadium, Runcorn, sealed a 2-0 success against the sixth-placed side.
Vics manager Lee Duckworth said: “It was a comfortable 2-0.
“They controlled the game from the first minute against a very good side.”
Dudley are one of the league’s highest-scoring teams but they rarely threatened against The Trickies.
“It was a good win because they’re not a bad side,” said player-of-the-match Ryan Atkinson.
“Getting clean sheets are important at this stage of the season.”
1874 Northwich and Winsford United continued with their play-offs pushes, too.
Greens came from behind to force a 1-1 draw at Coton Green.
Liam Fitzpatrick’s header at the far post in the 85th minute sealed a share of the spoils for Chris Herbert’s men.
Romario Martin had given Coton the lead in the 48th minute, not only against the run of play but with their first shot on goal.
1874 will be disappointed they did not come home from their first ever visit to Coton with all three points because they did all the pressing, especially in the second half, but lacked a clinical edge at times.
At the end of Saturday the point was good enough to keep 1874 in third place.
Winsford United were beaten for the first time in four matches, away to league leaders Hanley Town.
The hosts netted both of their goals from Kyle Stubbs long throw-ins that caused chaos in Winsford’s box, with Lewis Porter (30mins) and Callum Middleton (62) putting the Stoke side two goals clear.
Blake Robinson pulled a goal back with a great finish from Ollie McDonough’s fine delivery but it proved not to be enough.
Blues were angered by having a penalty claim waved away late on after Matty Birchall was clattered in the box.
The defeat left Winsford in fifth place at the end of Saturday.
The exciting title and play-offs chases will continue on Easter Monday.
Vics will head to Townfield to face 1874 in a ‘derby’ with much at stake.
Duckworth’s boys will need to win to guarantee forcing the title chase into the final weekend of the season as they remain three points behind Hanley.
They would still be in the mix with a draw, if Hanley fail to win at Abbey Hulton United, who need the victory to keep alive their own hopes of finishing in the top five.
If Vics lose to 1874, Hanley would only need a point on Monday to be confirmed as champions.
With only three points separating 1874 in third with Brocton in seventh, Herbert’s side’s own play-offs hopes are on the line so they will be equally as motivated in Monday’s ‘derby’.
Winsford still have a game in hand and can still finish as high as third so their focus will remain sharp when they head to Whitchurch Alport on Monday.
Meanwhile, Barnton's 'Juve Day' celebrations were spoilt by lowly Shawbury United's 2-1 win at Townfield on Saturday.
Joel Hind's 40th-minute goal levelled matters but Kyle Jordon struck an 88th-minute winner in the North West Counties First Division South encounter.
The Villagers, 10th in the standings, will go to Runcorn Town on Monday.
The bank holiday games kick-off at 3pm.
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