Northwich Vics 4 Highgate United 2

COMPETITION : Midland League Premier Division
DATE - Tuesday 16th April 2024
VENUE - The Cleric Stadium, Congleton

LINE-UP Vics’ -
Reid, Pritchard, Cookson, Keyworth, Hurst, Smith, McWilliams, Lloyd, Lynch, Perry, Parker
Subs : Switters, Fisher, Ogundare, Crellin, Unwin

A quiet start to the match, with Highgate having a couple of long range shots, first one over the bar, the second just past the far post in the first 12 minutes. Highgate did get the ball in the back of the net in the 18th minute but the liner correctly ruled offside. Vics didn’t get their first proper chance until the 20th minute when Lynch led a quick break down the left and put in a peach of a cross for Perry to put a diving header narrowly wide. This spurred Vics on, and they took the lead a minute later as Callum Parker curled in a superb effort into the back of the net giving the keeper no chance . Vics were getting on top now, Smith and Perry both had shots saved , whilst Sam Lynch had a half volley well saved after a great one two with Marcus Perry. Vics got the second goal they had threatened in the 33rd minute as Perry struck from the edge of the area after a corner, and the shot was slightly deflected into the net. Vics kept pressing and nearly got a third before half time as Marcus Perry skinned a couple of players but his cross just failed to find the lurking Callum Parker in front of goal. A superb first half for the Vics as they went in 2 up at the break.

Half-time : Northwich Vics 2 Highgate United 0

Vics started the second half the same way they had finished the first, very much on top. Will Lloyd had a left footed drive just wide, after he did well to win the ball, then it was that man Callum Parker again. Anton Smith put in a cross and there he was to head the ball down and into the net in the 50th minute. Highgate were struggling to get back in the match now though they did have a fine volley just wide, and Anton Smith did brilliantly to block a long distance shot but Vics were still controlling the match. Well they were until a rare mistake at the back allowed the ever dangerous Ryan Harkin to pull one back for Highgate. Adam Reid then made a ridiculous save to deny Highgate a second in the 68th minute as they sensed they were back in the game. However Vics soon reclaimed the ascendency, and Parker slammed a shot wide after a free kick had rebounded to him, then Perry had a shot just wide after a mistake at the back. However in the 86th minute, Highgate beat the offside trap and Williams tapped the ball home. A nervous few minutes ahead, but Vics responded superbly and sealed the points with a 4th goal just 2 minutes later. Sam Unwin collected the ball down the left, drove into the box and curled a beauty into the corner of the net. ! Match Over

Final score : Northwich Vics 4 Highgate United 2