LINE-UP Vics’ -
Mendes, Nugent ( Lawson 76’), Jackson L ( Bentley 80’), Cookson, Keogh, Jackson R (Atkinson 56’), Clarke, Tanswell, Ferry, Duckworth, Rokka ( Coughlan 71’)

Goals : Northwich Vics : Duckworth 67’, 70’ (Pen)
: West Didsbury & Chorlton : Etia 80’

Northwich Vics 2–1 West Didsbury & Chorlton

Northwich Vics maintained their unbeaten start to the season in all competitions with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over West Didsbury & Chorlton at the Apec Taxis Stadium.Two goals from Joe Duckworth in the space of just three second-half minutes proved decisive, although the visitors ensured a nervy finish when Jaques Etia pulled a goal back with ten minutes remaining. It was another impressive result for the Vics, who now turn their attention to Saturday’s FA Cup First Round Qualifying clash with Atherton Collieries.

The opening half was played at a high tempo, with both sides pressing aggressively and neither willing to give the other time on the ball.
Vics had the first real opportunity when Duckworth chased down the West Didsbury goalkeeper, with the ball rebounding off the striker before rolling agonisingly wide. It could have gone anywhere, but the hosts were unfortunate not to see it find the net. West Didsbury responded with a dangerous spell of their own, forcing Vics goalkeeper Mendes into a fine low save from Abadaki’s shot on the turn. Matty Clarke then did well to throw himself in the way of another effort from distance as the visitors continued to threaten.
Vics gradually began to gain the upper hand. Duckworth flicked a ball into the path of Elliot Rokka, who got in behind the defence before pulling it back for Tanswell, whose effort drifted narrowly wide. New signing Frazer Cookson then went close in the 22nd minute, heading over from a corner as Vics continued to apply pressure. The chances continued to arrive as the half progressed. On 38 minutes, Ryan Jackson saw his effort only half-saved by the goalkeeper, but Duckworth's follow-up was brilliantly blocked.Then, right on half-time, Rokka was desperately unlucky to see a cross-shot flash just beyond the far post.

Half-time: Northwich Vics 0–0 West Didsbury & Chorlton

Vics came out quickly after the interval and almost broke the deadlock when Tanswell unleashed a volley which whistled past the post. Ryan Jackson was next to threaten in the 51st minute, sending a first-time volley narrowly wide after being picked out by Clarke. But West Didsbury were proving equally dangerous and should have taken the lead when Brandon Dawson was sent clean through one-on-one. Mendes, however, produced a magnificent save to deny him. The Vics keeper was called into action again moments later, getting underneath Foulds’ looping header just before it could dip under the crossbar. At the other end, Vics then missed a golden opportunity of their own. A flowing move opened the door for substitute Ryan Atkinson, but with the goal seemingly at his mercy, he placed his effort wide.
Vics were not to be denied for long. On 67 minutes came the breakthrough — and it was a superb team goal. Matty Clarke and Lee Jackson combined beautifully before a clever dummy allowed the ball to run through to Duckworth inside the penalty area. The striker made no mistake, finishing with aplomb to put Vics ahead. And just three minutes later, the lead was doubled when Luc Ferry was fouled inside the area and, after initially pointing for a free-kick to West Didsbury, the referee consulted his assistant before reversing the decision and awarding Vics a penalty.
Duckworth stepped up and calmly dispatched the spot-kick to complete a remarkable three-minute double.
West Didsbury refused to surrender and gave themselves hope with ten minutes remaining when Jaques Etia was presented with a simple tap-in from an Abadaki cross. The visitors pushed for an equaliser, but Vics defended stoically and looked increasingly comfortable as the clock ticked down. Five minutes of added time felt almost endless for the home supporters, and there was still time for one final flashpoint, as Abadaki was shown a straight red card for a horrendous tackle on Cookson, but Vics held firm to the end. The final whistle eventually brought deserved relief and celebration for Vics, who continue their unbeaten run with another impressive performance.

Joe Duckworth's clinical second-half double ultimately made the difference, but this was another collective effort from a Northwich side showing plenty of character, resilience and attacking threat.
Now the focus switches to the FA Cup.

Full-time: Northwich Vics 2–1 West Didsbury & Chorlton

Next Match
FA Cup First Round Qualifying
Saturday, 5th September 2026
Northwich Vics v Atherton Collieries
Kick-off: 3.00pm