Northwich Vics 2 Stourport Swifts 2

COMPETITION : Midland League Premier Division
DATE - Saturday 16th December 2023
VENUE - Barton Stadium, Winsford

LINE-UP Vics’ -
Reid, Camozzi), Barski, Cookson, Clarke, McKenzie, ( Mills 80’) Sixsmith, McWilliams ( Bembo-Leta 58’), Unwin ( Ogundare 89’), Perry ( Switters 58’), Parker

Sub Not used : Causer
Yellow Card : McWilliams 54’

GOALS - : Northwich Vics : Parker 23’, Unwin 45+1’
Stourport Swifts : Lees 89’, Hanson 90+1’

A draw that feels like a defeat for the Vics as they throw away a 2 goal lead in the last few minutes.

A match that opened with both teams having chances with Stourport forcing a corner in the first minute which came to nothing whilst Callum Parker for Vics beat his man down the left and put in a cross which Malakai McKenzie just failed to get on the end of. Stourport were doing most of the pressing but it was Vics who took the lead in the 23rd minute as Sam Unwin broke free of the back line and fired in a shot which Jamie Emery in the Stourport net spilt into the path of Callum Parker who fired home. Stourport were now doing most of the pressing but Vics’ defence were holding firm with Adam Reid being forced into an excellent fingertip save from a free kick. However Vics were always looking dangerous on the counter, and should have gone further ahead in the 38th minute as McKenzie raced down the right and slid the ball across to Unwin who hit it first time but over the bar. Perry for Vics then had a chance from a well worked corner routine but skied the ball over before Stourport missed a gilt edged chance as they dragged a shot wide when faced with an open goal. Then in first half added on time, Vics extended their lead as Perry fed Camozzi down the right whose excellent cross was slammed home by the onrushing Sam Unwin.

HALF-TIME : Northwich Vics 2 Stourport Swifts 0

The second half started with Vics sitting back allowing Stourport to have the ball and relying on quick counters. The Swifts were creating little with Vics defence looking solid, and indeed it was Vics who went closest to scoring in the 57th minute. The referee allowed Vics to take a quick free kick which set Marcus Perry free on goal and his shot beat the goalkeeper but not the post. McKensie then made the wrong choice when he found space on the right of the penalty area and opted to shoot from a tight angle instead of playing it across to a couple of free players in front of goal. It was still Stourport having most of the ball but Vics creating the best chances as first Switters swept a shot just wide and then Mckenzie having a shot well cleared after being set up by the impressive Parker. The Swifts never gave up though, and grabbed a goal back in the 89th minute as Lees’ shot found the far corner despite Reid getting a hand to the ball. Two minutes later it was 2 all as a ball into the Vics’ box created chaos and Hanson fired into the net from a few yards whilst Vics claimed a foul in the build up. The drama wasn’t over yet though as in the 3rd minute of added on time, Dylan Switters was sent through one on one, and was cynically brought down just outside the area by a Swifts defender who was promptly shown a red card by the referee. As they say, he took one for the team, but it really doesn’t seem suitable justice for the crime. Switters fired the resultant free kick into the wall and Vics were left to rue on 2 dropped points.

FULL-TIME : Northwich Vics 2 Stourport Swifts 2

Much to cheer about Vics’ display against a team 4th in the League, but ultimately they will be disappointed to only have gained the one point.

NEXT MATCHES : DECEMBER 23rd League away v WHITCHURCH ALPORT 3.00pm kick off
DECEMBER 26th League away v CONGLETON TOWN 3.00pm