COMPETITION : Midland League Premier Division
DATE - Saturday 12th October 2024
VENUE - Barton Stadium, Winsford

LINE-UP Vics’ -
Barry ( Parker 13’), Camozzi, Saunders, Faulkner, Hurst, Perry, Lloyd (Switters 84’), Clarke, Unwin, Smith, Coop ( Kelly 74’)
Subs Not used : Russo, Williams

GOALS - Northwich Vics : Coop 32’ Pen
Studley : 79’

A fairly quiet start to the match attacking wise with only a cross from Will Lloyd which looped up and bounced off the crossbar in the 8th minute to show for their efforts. However Vics were dealt a blow a couple of minutes later as keeper Keir Barry was forced off after suffering an injury and with no sub keeper on the bench, midfielder Marcus Perry took over the gloves with Callum Parker coming off the bench. Studley pressed forward trying to capitalise and test Perry but Vics’ defence were having none of it and working hard to deny Studley chances. Joe Camozzi made a great block to deny a goal bound effort in the 19th minute whilst Harris Saunders track backed brilliantly to make a last second tackle to stop a further Studley attempt. Perry was looking confident in goal though and did well to claw out a wind assisted corner which was headed for the top corner and also dealt well with the long balls which Studley pumped into the area. It wasn’t all Studley either and it was Vics who took the lead in the 32nd minute as Joe Camozzi whipped a cross in which was stopped by a Studley hand, and Jack Coop stepped up confidently to slot home the resultant penalty. Four minutes later, Anton Smith had a shot deflected wide after being found well by Jack Coop in the box, whilst Sam Unwin’s effort a minute later was also deflected wide. From the resultant corner, Harris Saunders headed just over as Vics tried to extend their lead. As the half headed into injury time, Vics were indebted to captain Matty Clarke’ brilliant diving block which denied Studley an almost certain equaliser as Vics stoically defended a series of corners to take their lead into half-time.

HALF-TIME : Northwich Vics 1 Studley 1

The second half proved to be a quieter affair with Vics being more cautious and Studley tending to hoof the ball forward for their big men up front. Vics were coping well with this, and protecting Perry in net who dealt well with the crosses and balls forward supremely well. In fact he made a world class save in the 60th minute as he back-pedalled along the line to tip away a looping header from a corner which was heading for the net. As the half went on, Vics were looking dangerous on the break, and Studley were lucky not to be down to 10 men in the 65th minute as Unwin broke down the left and was cynically taken out with a late high “tackle” which the inconsistent referee ruled only worthy of a yellow card! Seven minutes later, Unwin again caused havoc down the left, beat his defender and drove into the box where he was brought down, penalty? apparently not ! I don’t think Studley would have complained too much if it had been given! Matt Clarke then sent a volley sizzling wide of the post but it was Studley who then equalised with their first real chance of the half. A tackle was lost in midfield which allowed Studley to bring the ball forward and play the ball into the box where their no.17 was waiting to slide the ball past Perry into the net to equalise. A big last ten minutes now for the Vics, and indeed it was Vics who had the best chance to win it when substitute Jackson Kelly raced down the right wing and crossed well for Callum Parker to head straight at the keeper when well placed.

FULL-TIME : Northwich Vics 1 Studley 1

Another game where Vics will feel it was 2 points lost rather than one gained but a very strong defensive performance with Harris Saunders outstanding, and a supremely confident and commanding display by emergency stand in keeper Marcus Perry.

NEXT MATCH:
Saturday SEPTEMBER 18th v BROCTON Away 3.00pm Midland League