West Didsbury And Chorlton Vs Northwich Victoria-League 28/11/17

JOHN Bennett scored from a free-kick to complete a comeback by Northwich Victoria at West Didsbury & Chorlton on Tuesday night.

His goal, eight minutes before the final-whistle, sends Steve Wilkes’ improving side – victors in six of their past seven matches – into the North West Counties League Premier Division’s top 10.

They dominated the first-half at Brookburn Road.

Matty Clarke’s drive from distance clipped an upright in the opening minute.

On 17' leading goal-scorer Brian Matthews scooped over the bar from close-range after goalkeeper Aaron Ashley parried Jay Hart’s cross into his path, after Jay Hart fired narrowly wide on 11'.

Kieron Kenny’s header dropped narrowly wide from Hart’s corner on 20', while Yaw Gyimah’s tame effort later was easy for the home team’s custodian to save after Daniel McDonnell had sent him clear.

West took advantage of their guests wastefulness, and Tom Bailey put them in front with a deft chip after Vics' net-minder Mike Donlon spilled Josh Tinker’s cross and Sergeant nudged a loose ball the striker’s way.

Jay Hart’s angled drive from twenty yards on 56' restored parity early in a more even second period, his seventh goal in as many starts since signing from Padiham.

Ashley Woods' half-volley from Ben Steer’s cross flashed wide on 77' before Bennett guided a set-piece past Ashley from twenty yards to settle the outcome in his side’s favour.

Substitute George Whyment fired straight at Vics' glove-man Mike Donlon during the closing stages, while Bailey stretched but couldn’t make contact with Woods’ cross in the last-minute.

Result: West Didsbury And Chorlton 1-2 Northwich Victoria

#Vics' M.O.M - Liam Bickett. A midfield masterclass. Controlled the engine room and at the hub of all the Vics' best attacking moves.

LINE-UP'S -

West | Ashley (GK), Tinker, Pritchard (Mason 79') Eiselt, Hagon, Potts, Steer, Sergeant, Bailey, Shaw (Whyment 83') Woods.

Subs not used Dryden (GK), Hilton.

Vics | Donlon (GK), McDonnell (Lawrence 64'), Johnson, Bennett, Kenny, Barski, Clarke, Bickett, Matthews (Durnin 84'), Gyimah (Walker 90') Hart.

Subs not used - Gorman, Willis.

No bookings or red cards for either side.

Goals - Hart 56', Bennett 82'

WD & C - Tom Bailey 41'.

Referee Lewis Raper

Steve Wilkes' verdict with Jamie Dewsbury -

JD:A stern test of the lads character there, Steve. Dominant most of the game, then showed steel & resolve to come back and get the three points.

SW:Another tremendous away win this, Jamie. This time we did it the hard way. We knew before the game started West Didsbury were lacking in confidence, so we set out from the off to try and put them under pressure from the first whistle, Matty Clarke hitting the post inside a minute showed our intention but unfortunately we then went onto to miss too many chances and went in 1-0 down at half-time. The instructions at half time were not to panic and the lads need a huge pat on the back because they just kept doing what was asked and we got our rewards with a fine victory.

I agree the MOM goes to Liam Bickett, his successful pass rate must have been in the high 90% as he hardly gave the ball away all night.