NORTHWICH VICS 2 IRLAM 1
COMPETITION -NWC Premier Division
DATE - Saturday 9th October 2021.
VENUE - U Lock It Stadium, Northwich

LINE-UP Vics’ -
Cheetham, Camozzi, Misambo, Barski, Fleming ( Allen 15'), Dunn. Winder R , Clarke (Sherlock 76'), Lynch ( Winder J 85'), Birchall, Sephton
Un-used subs’ - Mather

GOALS - : Vics : Birchall 42' 83'
Irlam : Skinner 50'
Bookings : Sherlock 85'

A close game, but Vics dominant in defence and have that man Birchall upfront!

Vics started well and White in the Irlam goal was forced into a fine save to tip the ball out for a corner from a Ryan Winder effort in the first minute. Irlam had a shot blocked in the 4th minute whilst just a minute later Birchall was denied by a last ditch tackle by Irlam defender Alex Francis. Most of the play now was in midfield with limited goalmouth action for either team. Irlam's Pollittt just failed to connect with a Skinner through ball in the 14th minute In the 24th minute, Irlam put together a good move involving White and Armstrong who played in Max Bardsley-Rowe who cut the ball back to Ethan Cartworight but he was well crowded out by a solid Vics' defence. As the half progressed, Vics were gradually having more of the ball and pushing forward. In the 35th minute, a low ball into the box by Vics had to well defended, whilst in the 41st minute Matty Clarke had a long range effort which went not far wide of the post. However a minute later , Vics took the lead as they broke quickly, and after a bit of pinball in the box, the ball was crossed low into the box and Matty Birchall reacted quickest to turn the ball into the net at the far post.

HALF-TIME : Northwich Vics 1 Irlam 0

Vics started the second half looking to improve on their one goal advantage and immediately forced a corner from which a well worked routine produced a shot which was goal bound but seemed to be blocked by a Vics' attacker as it headed towards the net.Two minutes later, Brad Lynch fired in a snap shot which forced White into another fine save. However it was Irlam who struck next as Vics failed to clear a cross properly, and the ball was chipped back in to find Aaron Skinner who couldn't fail to head the ball home from close range. This opened the game up now, though neither keeper was really tested as defences dominated. Brad Lynch cured a shot just wide after 71 minutes whilst Aaron Skinner for irlam did well on the edge of area to create room for a shot which was deflected for a corner. Lynch had another long range effort in the 75th minute, this time firing just over the bar. The big moment came in the 83rd minute as good pressing by Vics won the ball in the Irlam half, and Dave Sherlock played a perfect ball splitting the defence to Matty Birchall who made no mistake as he ran in one on one with Irlam keeper White. Never looked like missing ! A hard tackle by Sherlock near the half way line earned him a yellow card, and the wrath of the Irlam bench who were promptly red carded for their protests by the referee. Vics fairly easily played out the final few minutes to record a vital victory against a spirited irlam team.

FULL-TIME : Northwich Vics 2 Irlam 1

A victory Vics deserved as they restricted Irlam to few chances with Barski and Misambo dominant at the back , whilst Matty Birchall did what Matty does at the other end. Special mention to Roman Allen who came on after only 15 minutes in an unfamiliar left back position and didn't look out of place.
NEXT MATCH : CHARNOCK RICHARD away on Wednesday 13th October 7.45pm