COMPETITION : FA Vase 1st Round
DATE - Saturday 18th October 2025
VENUE - Swansway Stadium, Nantwich

LINE-UP Vics’ -
Mendes, Kandeke, Harrison, Davis, Hurst, Atkinson( Deering 71’), Clarke ( Tanswell 63’), Potter ( Lloyd 54’), Abreu, Cooke, Djabi ( Hamm 59’),

Goals : Northwich Vics : Tanswell 87’
: Campion : Muirhead 32’
Penalties : Vics 4 Campion 2

Vics progressed in the FA Vase with a hard fought victory over Campion after a late equaliser forced the match into a penalty shoot-out.
It was a scrappy start to the match and it was 12 minutes before the first chance fell to Campion when they counter attacked quickly and a powerful shot was excellently tipped over the bar by Andre Mendes. Campion were generally having the best of the play though Vics were getting into good positions but without creating many chances though Cooke volleyed over after good play from Djabi after 30 minutes. Two minutes later though, Campion took the lead as a corner was headed goalwards by Shay Muirhead which was tipped onto the post by Mendes but bounced down onto the goal-line but it was adjudged to be over the line by the assistant referee ! Goal given ! Vics struggled to respond and Campion should have gone 2 up just before half-time as a free header from a corner was sent just inches over the bar.

HALF-TIME : Northwich Vics 0 Campion 1

Vics started the second half quicker and started to dominate the match with Campion content to defend deep and try and catch Vics on the break, but Vics’ defence were looking firm with Harrison and Davis winning the battle with their big number 9. Mama Djabi headed a long throw just over the bar as Vics started pressing and pushing Campion back. Sean Cooke was starting to run the midfield and spraying passes around and one ball into the area was headed over by substitute Kieran Hamm. Sam Deering then had a great chance as he was sent through by a great ball from Matt Harrison but he shot straight at the keeper. Time was running out now for Vics but the pressure was constant. 84 minutes gone, and Campion somehow survived a goalmouth scramble as the ball bounced around the area with no Vics player being able to get a decisive touch on the ball, then came two corners in quick succession. The pressure was mounting. Finally a bit of luck for Vics as the ball fell to debutant Leo Tanswell on the edge of the area, he turned his man and fired a shot goalwards which was deflected into the net wrong footing the Campion keeper. Vics were level and penalties loomed as both teams pressed for a winner which wouldn’t come.
Both teams scored the first penalties before Mendes made a great save on Campion’s second to give Vics the advantage. Both teams scored their 3rd penalties and Abreu confidently slotted the ball into the corner to put Vics 4 - 2 up. Campion knew they couldn’t afford to miss but they did as they fired their 4th wide of the left hand post ! Vics were through !

FULL-TIME : Northwich Vics 1 Campion 1

Penalties : Vics 4 Campion 2

Vics just about deserved their win due to their second half performance after a hesitant first half against a tough hard working Campion side. 4 excellent penalties sealed the match and a place in the next round.

NEXT GAMES : Wednesday 22nd October : Vics v Stalybridge Celtic 7.45pm in The Cheshire Senior Cup
: Saturday 25th October : Vics v Studley 3.00pm in The Midland League.
Both matches at the Apec Taxis Stadium, Runcorn.