Match Report: Lostock Gralam 0-4 Northwich Victoria
Saturday, 5th July 2025 – Pre-Season Friendly
Venue: Park Stadium, Lostock Gralam

Northwich Victoria kicked off their 2025/26 pre-season campaign in emphatic style with a dominant 4-0 victory away at Lostock Gralam. All four goals came in a ruthless first-half display that saw the Trickies showcase both clinical finishing and attacking flair.

Managerial eyes were firmly on the new faces, with several trialists featuring across both halves, but it was a familiar core who shone in the opening 45 minutes.

First Half: Fast Start from the Trickies

It took just 12 minutes for Vics to break the deadlock. Defender Matt Farnworth pounced on a loose ball after a corner caused havoc in the Lostock box, rifling a powerful effort into the net from just inside the area.

Only four minutes later, Sean Cooke doubled the lead in style. Lining up a free-kick on the edge of the box, he curled a low strike perfectly around the wall and into the bottom corner, leaving the keeper rooted to the spot.

The visitors continued to press, and their third arrived in the 34th minute. Full-back Max Sutton showed great energy to burst down the flank and deliver an inch-perfect cross to Sam Deering, who timed his run to slot home from close range.

The best was arguably saved for last, with Cooke grabbing his second of the afternoon on 37 minutes. Picking the ball up outside the area, he unleashed a thunderous left-footed drive that arrowed into the bottom right corner — a real statement goal to kick off his time in green.

Second Half: A New Look, but Solid Throughout

Wholesale changes followed at half-time as Northwich gave minutes to more trialists, including a new-look backline and attacking setup. Though chances were fewer after the break, several of the new faces impressed with their energy, composure, and intent.

The standout moment came courtesy of the trialist goalkeeper, who produced a superb save to deny Lostock a late consolation — diving low to his left to push a goalbound effort around the post.

Full-Time: Lostock Gralam 0-4 Northwich Victoria

Plenty of positives to take from a composed and confident performance, with 90 valuable minutes under the belt and a clean sheet to match. The Trickies now look ahead to Tuesday night’s test against Shrewsbury Town Academy, where the squad will again look to build momentum and sharpen fitness ahead of the new season.

Goals:

Farnworth (12’)
Cooke (16’, 37’)
Deering (34’)