Stone OA 2 Northwich Vics 2

COMPETITION : Midland League Premier Div’n
DATE - Tuesday 15th August 2023
VENUE - Kings Park, Meir Heath

LINE-UP Vics’ -
Reid, Kebaya, Cookson, Bamba ( Battersby 46'), Exell, Jackson, Turner ( Chapman 46') Smith ( Parker 82'), Sultan, Unwin, ( Hughes 91') McKenzie ( Perry 54')

GOALS - : Stone OA : Wilson 3", Harper 81'
Northwich Vics : Perry 68", Unwin 85'

After a dreadful start, a good come back earns an important point

Vics were dealt a blow before the match as Leo Roberts injured himself in the warm up, and was replaced by debutant Trey Turner. This change seemed to throw Vics and they were lucky not to be 3 or 4 down within the first 20 minutes after a dreadful start. They did indeed go 1 down in the 4th minute as the ball was easily worked into the box and Sam Wilson stroked it home. 6 minutes later, it should have been two as Matt Thomas found himself with just the keeper to beat but could only tamely chip the ball into his hands. Stone continued to look dangerous with their quick attacks and Wilson, Tomlinson and Thomas all went close with chances. Vics scarcely threatened during this spell with only a Ryan Jackson shot just over the bar to show for their efforts. Slowly though they started to get a foothold in the match, with McKenzie looking dangerous down the left. Kev Exell headed straight at the keeper in the 28th minute, and then Sam Unwin broke down the right, but couldn't get his shot in, but the ball was played back into the box where Jackson's header was saved easily by the keeper. Stone were still looking the likelier to get a second though, and nearly did in the 41st minute as a Connor Russo header hit the bar from a Wilson cross. Vics had a shout for a penalty in the last minute of the half as a clearance from the keeper Gill was blocked by Niall Sultan and ricocheted towards goal, and in the race to get to the ball, Gill appeared to pull Sultan to the floor, but the referee saw it as a fair challenge. Vics went into the half time break lucky to be trailing by just the one goal

HALF-TIME : Stone OA 1 Northwich Vics 0

The first chance of the second half fell to Stone as Thomas forced Reid into a good save from a powerful shot, but Vics were looking a different team now with Perry and Chapman coming on and linking up well down the left. In the 56th minute, Perry drove down the left and cut the ball across to the supporting Chapman but his shot didn't really test Gill in the Stone net. Vics were looking better now and in the 64th minute, Jackson forced Gill into a good double save as he firstly drove a shot in from a narrow angle from the right, and then followed up on the rebound to force another save. Vics got the equaliser they deserved in the 68th minute as a good build up found Marcus Perry in the middle of the box and he made no mistake from 8 yards out. Vics tried to force the pace now, and Perry broke quickly from a Stone corner, found Chapman whose shot was just over the bar. However it was Stone who grabbed a second in the 81st minute as a corner from Harper went straight in as Reid tried to keep the ball from crossing the line. Vics weren't to be denied as they showed a fighting spirit and they played the ball down the right for Nathan Kebaya to send a superb cross in for Sam Unwin to head powerfully into the net.

FULL-TIME : Stone OA 2 Northwich Vics 2

Manager Steve Pickup's thoughts on the game :
Well the morning after another tough encounter in the Midlands League. I think losing Leo Roberts (LB) in the warm up disrupted us a little as we had to change three positions to try and keep our shape. Having said that Stone were the better team 1st Half. Very physical and direct as we expected and effective at what they do and deserved their half time lead. Half time came and we made two substitutions to try and stamp our mark on the game bringing Niall Battersby and Layton Chapman on the pitch which had an immediate effect and we were the much better team second half. We had a blatant penalty not given 1st Half to which I’m still scratching my head about. Having said that, a draw in the end was a fair result. I am extremely proud of the lads for their reaction second half and there was only one team going to win the game should we have played another 10 minutes. I want to say congratulations to Marcus Perry and Niall Battersby and Layton Chapman along with Trey Turner who made their debuts last night as I thought they were excellent and what a birthday present it was for Marcus getting his first goal for the club on his debut. Also I want to pay a huge mention to the fans who are turning up in their numbers to support the lads and the Club. They are coming out in numbers which is great and both myself and my management team along with the players are very grateful. We have a 10 day rest now so there will be 4 training sessions in between getting us ready for the FA Vase game against Selby Town on the 26th August. The team is gelling together but it will take time to form those partnerships you need all over the pitch. Also we may just have a cheeky signing in the pipeline this week that will see us bringing back a fans' favourite but watch this space ?⚽️

NEXT MATCHES: FA VASE : SATURDAY 26th AUGUST home v SELBY TOWN 3.00pm kick off at BARTON STADIUM, WINSFORD
LEAGUE : MONDAY 28th AUGUST home v LICHFIELD CITY 3.00pm kick off U LOCK IT STADIUM, WINCHAM