LINE-UP Vics’ -
Prior, Cairns, Jacaj, Gardiner ( L.Knight 77’), Farnworth (Frost 67’), Argent-Barnes ( Bennett 77’), Gill, Lloyd, Crane, Deering, Hamm (Sodhi 84’)

GOALS : Northwich Vics : Crane 6’, Lloyd 26’, Deering 48’,
Wolv Casuals : Swingwood 80’

Vics made it two wins on the trot for the first time since the opening two matches of the season with some clinical finishing and resolute defending against a Casuals side whose play defied their lowly position.
Casuals could have taken the lead in the second minute as Zac Prior in the Vics’ net made a superb save to stop a fantastic shot which was heading for the bottom corner. Four minutes later, Vics made them pay for their miss as Ben Crane pressurised the Casuals centre-back into a mistake, strode forward into the area and fired a fine strike past Cashmore in the Casuals goal to give Vics an early lead. Casuals continued to have more of the ball but Vics’ defence dealt fairly comfortably with their attacking play.
26 minutes in, and Vics extended their lead as Sam Deering did well to get a shot away which was blocked but the ball fell to Will Lloyd who fired home for two-nil. This sparked Vics’ best period of play as first Sam Gill went close with a fantastic free kick and then Farnworth forced Cashmore to save well which was quickly followed by an even better save to deny Karsten Cairns. On the stroke of half-time, Vics nearly made it three as there was an almighty goal-mouth scramble with Vics just unable to force the ball over the line.

HALF-TIME : Northwich Vics 2 Wolverhampton Casuals 0

Vics came out in the second half and quickly went three up as Sam Deering glided along the edge of the box. turned well and fired a great strike into the bottom corner. Casuals pressed forward and should have pulled a goal back almost immediately as their striker was one on one with the keeper but delayed his shot allowing Prior to claim the ball well. Prior then made another superb save to deny Casuals in the 54th minute. Casuals continued to press and Vics were indebted to Zac Prior as firstly hedid extremely well to tip a goal bound effort over the bar in the 67th minute and then made a superb double save parrying a dipping shot and then blocking the close up rebound effort. Vics were looking to catch Casuals on the break now and Kieran Hamm nearly got a fourth for Vics but was denied by the keeper’s outstretched legs. Casuals then got the goal they deserved in the 80th minute from a corner as Swingwood powered a free header past Prior. However, Vics resolutely held firm and managed to negotiate the final few minutes fairly comfortably and held on for a fine victory.

FULL-TIME : Northwich Vics 3 Wolverhampton Casuals 1

Next Match :
Saturday 22nd February Home v OJM Black Country 3.00pm