COMPETITION : Midland League Premier Division
DATE - Saturday 12th April 2025
VENUE - Barton Stadium, Winsford

LINE-UP Vics’ -
Prior, Sutton, Gardiner, Jacaj (Knight C 76’), Barlow, Hurst, , Argent-Barnes ( Hayder 69’), Lloyd (Gamble 88’), Clark, Nyamwansi ( Hamm 51’), Crane ( Burey 69’)

Goals: Northwich Vics : Clarke 25’, Hamm 81’ Pen
AFC Wulfrunians : Cocking 60’

After a delayed kickoff due to travel problems at Wulfrunians end, the match started off slowly with little worthy of note. Then 25 minutes in, Vics earned a corner which was swung into the box where Captain Matty Clarke rose like a salmon to head firmly into the net for his first goal of the season. Will Lloyd then slammed an effort just past the post whilst Wulfrunians forced Zac Prior into a fine save low down to his right as the game livened up. A flurry of action just before half time nearly saw Wulfrunians equalise, firstly they sent a shot just wide before from a corner, Joe Hurst was in the right place to clear a Titterton header from the line.

HALF-TIME : Northwich Vics 1 AFC Wulfrunians 0

Wulfrunians came out with renewed vigour after the break and Vics were being pressed back. Prior pulled off a great reaction save from a free header at the back post after 50 minutes but could do nothing about a looping header from Cocking 10 minutes later which saw them draw level. The match now became more end to end and became more stretched. 72 minutes in, and Ali Hayder fed Joe Hurst who was in space down the right. He laid the ball back to Hayder whose shot was well saved by Arnold in the Wulfs’ net. Six minutes later, Vics earned a corner from a blocked cross by Crane. This was swung in and collected by the keeper Arnold who wanted to clear quickly but in his “enthusiasm” he elbowed Kieran Hamm , resulting in a red card and a penalty awarded. After a two minute delay due to his protestations, up stepped Hamm to send replacement keeper Holdcroft the wrong way and put the Vics back into the lead. Wulfrunians didn’t give up and pressed hard for another equaliser, and Vics were indebted to Prior again for 2 quality saves in the last few minutes to maintain their lead and a final 3 points of the season.

FULL-TIME : Northwich Vics 2 AFC Wulfrunians 1

Not the best performance by the Vics but they will be happy with the 3 points and a final position of 11th in the League after another rollercoaster of a season.

Thank you to Winsford United for their hospitality over the last couple of seasons, it’s been much appreciated but it’s time to look forward to next season now and our new adventure to begin at The Apec Taxis Stadium, home of Runcorn Linnets and we hope to see new and old fans there over the next couple of seasons.