Vics 2 Bootle FC 3

COMPETITION - Hallmark Security League VENUE - Wincham Park, Northwich. DATE - Saturday 15th December.

Attendance - 101
LINE-UP’S - Taberner, Camozzi, Barski, Fitzgerald, McNally, Whyte ( Darrl 45'), Cooke (C), Craig , Brownhill , Doran, Mason ( Matthews 85'
Un-used sub - Clarke, Kenny , Muir

Bookings for Vics’ : None
GOALS -
Vics’ - Brownhill 54' Pen, Darr 70'

Bootle - Millington 6', 15' Cox 9'

The match kicked off in a freezing cold wind and rain, but it was Bootle who started in red hot fashion, racing into a 3 goal lead in the first 15 minutes . Firstly it was Connor Millington who fired a great strike past Danny Tabener in the Vics' net before a poor clearance from Vics led to a cross into the box where a totally unmarked Ryan Cox had the easiest job to head the ball into the Vice net from 6 yards out. Then on 15 minutes, it was Connor Millington again , who fired a perfect free kick into the top left corner of the net from 25 yards out. Shell-shocked, Vics started to press, and after 20 minutes, a poor header out fell to Brad Cooke, whose volley went inches wide. Then , only a last ditch tackle blocked Darrhyl Mason's goal bound shot making it easy for the keeper to save. Bootle should have extended their lead in the 41st minute, when a cross was stood up to the back post, but their striker managed to put it wide, when it looked easier to score. At the other end, on the stroke of half-time, a curling cross from Joel Brownhill was touched over the Bootle bar , after it nearly caught the keeper unawares.

HALF-TIME - Vics 0-3 Bootle

Bootle nearly started the second half as they had the first, when a very long range shot hit the Vice' post but it was Vics doing all the pressing and they earned a penalty after 53 minutes when Darrhyl Mason was brought down in the box after a good through ball by Rob Doran. Joel Brownhill duly scored as he fired his shot into the top of the net. It was all Vics now, and after 59 minutes, Brad Cooke latched onto a lovely ball over the top, but his first time effort fizzed over the top of the bar. Vics were now probing constantly looking for another goal, and after 70 minutes, substitute Jordan Darr found himself one on one with the keeper, and he calmly slotted the ball past and into the net. Vics' best chance to equalise, came after 84 minutes when Jordan Darr had a free header in the box, but he directed it straight at the keeper, and Bootle managed to hold on for the final 5 minutes or so.
Both teams deserve a lot of credit for producing an entertaining match in horrendous conditions for both players and supporters.

FULL TIME - Vics 2 - 3 Bootle

Vics’ M.O.M - Dominic Craig. Hardworking display in the middle of the park, always looking to drive forward

Manager's Steve Wilkes' view : "A hugely disappointing first 15 minutes.
No team can gift any team a 3 goal start and expect to get something from the game.
Credit to the players for digging deep in the second half, and who knows what would have happened if Jordan Darr’s header at 3-2 had gone in.
It would have made for an interesting last 15 mins.
The disappointing thing is, it was a chance to go fourth in the table and we’ve missed that opportunity."

Up next for Vics’ is an HOME league game Vs Charnock Richard on Saturday 22nd December with kick-off at 3.00pm