Padiham v Northwich Victoria 12th August

Padiham v Northwich Victoria League 12th August

Vics started the match with the returning Yaw Gyimah starting upfront with Brian Matthews. However it was Stuart McDonald who got Vics off to the start they wanted when after just 4 minutes , he cut in from the right and struck a shot which was heading for the far corner before it got a deflection off a Padiham defender and ended up in the near corner, keeper had no chance . Vics were playing some excellent football with Sam Marshall causing all sorts of trouble down the left and Vics duly went 2 up after 10 minutes. Marshall put a great ball into the box to Matthews who managed to control the ball and slotted the ball past the keeper. Vics were well on top but failed to make the most of their superiority and they were made to pay when Padiham grabbed a goal back just before half time.

Half-time Padiham 1 Northwich Victoria 2

VIcs started the second half as they had the first, and immediately Sam Marshall had a shot saved by the Padiham keeper but Brian Matthews was on hand to pick up the pieces and shoot home. 2 minutes later, Vics made it 4-1 when a foul on the ever dangerous Yaw, led to a majestic free kick from Stuart McDonald was powerfully headed home by Brian Matthews for his hat-trick. Padiham pulled one back with about 20 minutes to go, and there were one or two nervous moments as Vics tired but in the end, they held out for a convincing win.

Final score : Padiham 2 Northwich Victoria 4. (S McDonald, Matthews 3 )
Excellent and exciting attacking display by the Vics with Yaw Gyimah, Stu McDonald, Brian Matthews and Sam Marshall causing all sorts of problems upfront ably supported by Pollard, Bennett and McDonell in midfield.

MOM : Matthews