Match Report: Northwich Victoria 0–2 Campion AFC
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round – Sunday, 3rd August, 16:00 KO
Venue: The APEC Taxis Stadium

LINE-UP Vics’ -
Mendes, Clarke, Farnworth, Jacaj, Sutton, Atkinson ( Deering 61'), Lloyd ( Potter 67'), Mahoney ( Burey 61'), Abreu, Cooke ( Morgan P 74'), Hamm ( Leitch-Smith 61')

Campion AFC booked their place in the FA Cup Preliminary Round with a confident 2–0 victory over Northwich Victoria, in a game that saw the visitors make their dominance count after two goals in the second half.

The West Yorkshire outfit started with intensity and nearly found the breakthrough inside the opening minutes, twice being denied by outstanding reflex saves from Vics goalkeeper Andre Mendes. Despite carving out several clear-cut chances early on, a combination of wasteful finishing and Mendes’ heroics kept the scoreline level.

As the first half wore on, Northwich Victoria began to settle into the game. Winger Jefferson Abreu provided a spark of creativity down the left flank, frequently beating his marker and delivering dangerous balls into the box. Despite several promising openings, Campion’s keeper stood firm to deny the hosts.

The Vics’ best chance of the half came when Ryan Atkinson was tripped in the box after cutting inside, earning his side a penalty. Sean Cooke stepped up but crashed his effort off the crossbar, and the sides went into the break goalless.

However, the deadlock was broken just a minute after the restart. Campion punished a static Vics defence when Paddy Sykes latched onto a through ball and slotted a composed finish past Mendes to give the visitors the lead.

Northwich Victoria struggled to respond, and although they enjoyed possession in spells, they failed to carve out any significant opportunities. Campion’s physical and direct approach proved effective throughout, and they doubled their advantage late on. After Mendes made another excellent save to keep Vics in the game, substitute Akram Lasalire reacted quickest to fire home from close range and seal the result.

There was a flurry of late activity from the hosts, including a blocked effort from AJ Leitch-Smith, but Campion’s defence held firm to secure a deserved win.

Campion now advance to the Preliminary Round where they will face Trafford, while Northwich Victoria will look to bounce back in their Midland Premier Division opener at home to Brocton on Saturday, 9th August.

Final Score: Northwich Victoria 0–2 Campion AFC
Scorers: Sykes (46'), Lasalire (late second half)
Player of the Match: Andre Mendes (Northwich Victoria) – despite defeat, kept his side in the contest with several outstanding saves.