LINE-UP’S -
Vics’ -
Taberner, Camozzi, Kenny, Barski, Fleming, Whyte (Craig 80'), Cooke (C), Clarke (FitzGerald 109'), Doran (Matthews 72') , Brownhill (Darr 115'), Mason.
Un-used subs’ - Scott

Booked : Barski, Clarke, Whyte and Mason

GOALS -
Histon - Brown 64'
Vics’ - Mason 74', 105' Darr 119'

Vics reached the quarter finals of the FA Vase with a hard fought 3 - 1 extra time victory over Histon at The Glassworld Stadium. The match started quietly in front of a noisy crowd of 664 with very few chances of note, but with Vics having the better of the play. However Histon had the first half chance as Gould got on the end of a McDonald cross but Danny Taberner dealt with it comfortably. Vics best chance came half way through the half as Vics broke away quickly and Darrhyl Mason cut in from the left and got in a powerful shot which skimmed just wide. Histon then started to pressure the Vics with lots of long ball and crosses into the area but Barski and Kenny at the back were resolute and Vics reached the break level without any undue alarms.

Half-time : Histon 0 Vics 0

The second half again started fairly evenly but with Histon creating the best two chances of the match so far, as firstly Green fired a shot just wide and then Dan Brown failed to beat Taberner when one on one with him. However, after 64 minutes, he made amends as another long ball from Histon, found him in space behind the Vics' defence and he let the ball bounce and then chipped a delightful volley over the floundering Taberner into the Vics net. This spurred Vics on, and they started to play with pace and precision , and after 74 minutes, Vics took a short corner which was then played into the box where Darrhyl Mason beat the keeper to the ball and headed home from close range. The second half closed with Vics in control now but regulation time ended with the game at one all.

90 Mins : Histon 1 Vics 1

Vics started the first period of extra time strongly, and Mason had an effort cleared off the line after he beat the keeper to the ball , but a defender got back just in time. However, Vics took the lead they deserved just a couple of minutes later, as a ball was played down the right and Mason got on the end of a low cross to fire the ball high into the net to send the massed ranks of Vics fans behind the goal into a frenzy.
Histon's task was then made harder as Matt Green was deservedly sent off for a bad two footed challenge on Jack Fleming . As the extra time interval approached, Dom Craig rounded the keeper on the left side of the box but his shot was blocked by a defender, and then Brian Matthews rattled the post from a narrow angle after he got in down the right side.

Extra Time Half Time : Histon 1 Vics 2

The second period of extra time was in comparison fairly quiet as Vics were able to manage the game fairly comfortably with the only concern being when another hopeful ball into the Vics box found Max York but he could only volley the ball wide . Vics made the game safe in the last minute, as Jordan Darr nicked the ball from a dallying Histon defender, and raced clear, held off a challenge from another defender before firing the ball under the keeper s body into the net . Cue scenes of delight from players, management and fans .

FULL TIME : Histon 1 Vics 3

MANAGER'S REACTION :
Vics’ boss Steve Wilkes’ verdict on another famous away day F.A Vase win -

Once again I’m so proud of my players. I think over the 120 minutes we fully deserved the win and the way we reacted to going behind was very professional.
We didn’t panic and drew level within 7 mins. We knew we were much fitter than Histon, so we needed to use our subs’ wisely and Brian Matthews, Dominic Craig and Jordan Darr did just that.A massive credit must go to my coaching staff as well. Rob Sadler went to watch Histon last week and gave us a great report which Scott Campbell put to use on Tuesday and Thursday in training.

I can’t not mention the fantastic support we had once again. From first whistle to the last; they were absolutely immense in creating the atmosphere they did and carried the boys home. It’s been a great day for everyone at the club and more importantly for Northwich Victoria Football Club.

Interview by Jamie Dewsbury.