LINE-UP Vics’ -
Mendes, Nugent, Langley, Jackson L, Sutton, Clarke, Tanswell, Birchall, Duckworth, Whyte, Djabi
Subs : Bentley, Atkinson, Keogh, Lloyd, Elliott

Goals : None

A game in which Vics will feel frustrated at not achieving a victory over a Romulus side despite dominating the game and creating some clear cut chances, due to a mixture of great goalkeeping, resolute defending and a lack of clinical finishing.
The match started fairly evenly with both sides pressing for an early opening. Vics had an early chance as Harvey Whyte whipped in a teasing free-kick which Lee Jackson was a whisker away from turning into the Romulus net. Romulus then fired a shot just wide after 5 minutes just before Vics had a fair shout for a penalty as Matty Birchall raced through before being apparently being felled in the area, referee waved play on! Romulus weren’t sitting back though but Vics’ defence were holding firm with Langley being dominant. Vics were then dealt a blow in the 19th minute as striker Mama Djabi had to be taken off injured, being replaced by Will Bentley. Vics were now taking control of the game and playing some decent one touch football and should have taken the lead in the 22nd minute as Jackson curled a cross to the back post which the waiting Langley could only steer into the side netting. Tanswell then fired a free kick straight at the keeper, before a Birchall header from another teasing cross from Jackson forced the Roms keeper into a great save. The in the final couple of minutes, both teams went so close to taking the lead. Firstly Romulus sent a teasing corner in which Andre Mendes did brilliantly under pressure to tip the ball onto the crossbar and over. Then Vics broke with Sutton finding space down the left and sent a first time cross in to find Birchall with the goal at his mercy, and he somehow managed to slam the ball wide of an open net !
HALF TIME : Vics 0 Romulus 0

The second half proved to be an onslaught from Vics with Romulus keeping Vics’ defence on their toes with dangerous quick breakaways. 51 mins in, debutant George Nugent took a pass from Jackson in his stride and sent a great cross into the box which just narrowly evaded the onrushing Birchall. Harvey Whyte then forced the Roms keeper into another great save when he unleashed a stunning effort towards the top corner as Vics pressed forward. Will Bentley then just failed to turn home a Duckworth cross before Will Lloyd rose highest to head a corner just past the post. 73 minutes in, it was Whyte again with another brilliant effort from 35 yards out which crashed against the crossbar, so unlucky. Vics kept pushing but Romulus were resolute in their defending with plenty of firm tackles and time wasting “injuries” causing frustration. Vics then had another shout for a penalty late on as youngster Sam Elliott got to the ball first and was brought down just inside the area, but the referee inexplicably booked him for simulation. It wasn’t going to be Vics day and Romulus held out for a hard earned point.

FULL TIME : Vics 0 Romulus 0
There are plenty of positives to take though as some of the attacking interplay was superb, and chances were created, and the defence looked firm and solid gaining a clean sheet. However the over riding feeling of the day was one of frustration at not turning some great approach play into goals. However, hopefully it will be seen as]a point again rather than two dropped at the end of the season !

NEXT MATCHES

TUESDAY 4th August 2026 : Midland League Premier

Whitchurch Alport v Northwich Vics: @ Dourish & Day Stadium, Whitchurch

SUNDAY 9th August 2026 : FA Cup

Beverley Town v Northwich Vics : @ Gateway Stadium, Beverley