Maine Road v Northwich Victoria 30th September 2017: League

DATE - Saturday 30th September 2017.

COMPETITION - NWCFL Premier Division.
VENUE - Brantingham Road, Manchester.

LINE-UP -
Vics' - Donlan (D), Willis, Shinks (Lawrence 60'), Lawton, McDonnell, Bennett (C) (caution) (Cobley 87'), Fitton (D), Dale (Pino 46'), Gyimah, Matthews, Marshall.
Subs un-used - Turnbull, Shaw.

*D* - Denotes Debut.

Unavailable for Vics' - Jake Pollard (work).

GOALS -
Maine Rd - Connor Hughes 82', Jordan Bove 63'.
Vics' - Matthews 3'.

Vics' started this game firmly on the front foot and took the lead early on - a clinical finish from Brian Matthews, via a right-foot rapier-like finish from 16 yards into bottom right corner of the net after Road' keeper' Ryan Livesey had inexplicably kicked a routine clearance straight to the leading scorers' feet. Vics' continued to dominate - on 22' left-back Ian Willis headed over a perfectly delivered Sam Marshall corner and John Bennett's low snap-shot was gathered by Livesey at full stretch on 33'. Maine Roads' Jack Langford had a wild shot well over the bar on 28' in their only attempt as the home side laboured.
On 40' Maine Rd should have levelled; in a rare sortie - Connor Hughes was played clean through by Matt Morgan - he swept a right-foot daisy-cutter goal-wards from 8 yards out and forced Vics' debutant keeper' Donlan into his first save of the game.

HALF-TIME - Maine Rd 0 Vics' 1.

Vics' started the second half much like they had played most of the first; largely on top and in no apparent trouble. On 56' the Road' keeper made a good save from Sam Marshall's rising shot at the box's edge following an Incisive run & cross by his fellow front-man Yaw Gyimah.
Then a big moment in the game arrived, Vics' centre-back Anthony Shinks departed to be replaced due to a lower leg injury. This unsettled the Vics' - losing Shinks' invaluable experience was a huge blow. On 63' the home side were level - ex-Vics' striker Jordan Bove swept in right-footed from short range after Jack Langford headed down a deep cross from the left into his path.
The home side then started to gain the upper hand as Vics' visibly wilted. Road' striker Bove nearly doubled his tally for the afternoon, Mike Donlan finger-tipped his rising drive over the bar soon after but a second goal inevitably arrived on 82' - Connor Hughes fired in to the far corner of the net left-footed from 20 yards leaving Donlon with no chance - a great strike but had an age to shoot - a tired Vics' defence again all at sea with not one green shirt within 5 yards of the Road' hit-man. The Blues comfortably saw out the additional 4 minutes at the end to claim all 3 points and leave Vics' new management team with plenty to ponder over an inherited squad of players.

Vics' M.O.M - Mike Donlon. An assured debut, two fantastic saves and safe handling. Also a good vocal presence for the Vics' rear-guard. Totally helpless for both goals.

Jamie Dewsbury spoke with Vics' new manager Steve Wilkes following the defeat -

A disappointing result after a dominant and enjoyable first 50 minutes by us, Steve. The game seemed to turn when we lost Anthony Shinks with a leg injury on the hour and we didn't adapt well to him departing the action.

Yes Jamie, for sure the game changed when Anthony came off injured. I think that and the fact that we aren't fit enough were both major factors. I think if we could have scored the second goal early in the second half, we would have held on for all three points. I couldn't have asked anymore from the players than what I got on Saturday. After only spending two hours together on the training pitch prior; I thought they did exactly what we asked them to do. I think it's quite obvious that I need to bring some players into the club, and that's what I'll be striving to do this week - ahead of Saturday's home game against Widnes.

Up next for Vics' is another NWCFL Premier Division fixture Vs Widnes FC (H) on Saturday 7th October - K.O 15:00.

Match report & interview by Jamie Dewsbury.