STOURPORT SWIFTS 2 VICS 1

COMPETITION : Midland League Premier Div’n
DATE - Saturday 14th October 2023
VENUE - Walshes Meadow, Stourport on Severn

LINE-UP Vics’ -
Reid, Clarke, Griman, Cookson, Roberts, Smith, Grindrod ( McKenzie 79'), Sultan, Switters, Unwin ( Parker 67'), FitzGerald ( Mills 58')

Subs Not used, Bamba, Camara

GOALS - : Stourport : Tilbury, 61', Chiltern 75'
Northwich Vics : Switters 68'

A first half where both teams played the ball around well , but had trouble creating clear cut chances .

Vics first effort was a tame shot by Samual Unwin after 10 minutes whilst Stourport had to wait until the 21st minute for their first chance as a long range shot was punched away by Adam Reid in the Vics' net. Vics were awarded a free-kick right on the edge of the area, but Anton Smith's strike was blocked by the wall. 4 minutes later, debutant Dylan FitzGerald was sent through by a quick free kick, but he dragged his shot wide. Stourport then went close twice with Reid punching a shot away then he watched as a strike from distance went over the bar. Vics' best chance of the half fell to Unwin in the 38th minute as he was set free down the left by a quick throw, and cut inwards but he couldn't quite squeeze the ball under the onrushing keeper.
A close and entertaining first half with both teams just lacking the cutting edge.

HALF-TIME : Stourport Swifts 0 Northwich Vics 0

Vics started the second half well , Unwin sent in a good cross from the left, but Switters couldn't get enough on the ball to trouble the keeper. Then Roberts and Unwin teamed up well again down the left, resulting in Roberts crossing but no one could quite get on the end of it. Another chance in the 55th minute, as Smith won the ball in midfield and whipped a great ball into the box but Switters couldn't direct his header on target. A good chance. Stourport weren't to be outdone though, and went close as a corner wasn't cleared by the Vics' defence but Chilton skied his shot well over the bar. Then in the 60th minute, Stourport earned a penalty as the ball hit Griman's arm from a close range cross and the referee pointed to the spot. Ben Tilbury duly obliged, putting the ball beyond Reid's reach right into the corner. Vics responded well to this setback, and almost immediately went close as a deep cross from Matty Clarke was volleyed inches wide by Dylan Switters . However 4 minutes later, Switters found the target as he collected the ball just inside the area, turned his defender and curled a low shot into the net. This time it was Stourports' turn to respond well to a set back , and Vics were indebted to a superb last second tackle from Fraser Cookson to deny Stourport retaking the lead. 4 minutes later though, a deep cross from the right was headed back across the Vics' area and Chilton was there to head home from close range. Vics pressed forward but couldn't quite get the final ball correct, They were denied a clear cut penalty for handball and then had another shout for a penalty in the 85th minute as Niall Sultan was barged to the ground in the area. Neither were given ! and the match petered out for another away defeat for the Vics

FULL-TIME : Stourport Swifts 2 Northwich Vics 1

A match that Vics didn't have the rub off the green with penalty decisions, but they need to improve their final ball and finishing, and stop the individual errors at the back in order to gain the points that their general play deserves. Hopefully it will happen in their big match up at Bishop Auckland in the FA Vase next weekend.

NEXT MATCH: 21st OCTOBER : FA VASE Away v BISHOP AUCKLAND 3.00pm