The ups and downs of Vics’ season continues ! After the disappointment of Saturday’s non display against Dudley, Vics gave a performance of skill, passion, determination and teamwork that made their last minute winner well deserved.
Indeed, Vics’ first half performance was probably their best of the season so far as they controlled the match grabbing two goals and restricting a good Atherstone side to just a couple of half chances. Vics took the lead in the 5th minute as a long throw came into the box and fell nicely for Bevan Burey to slam the ball past Finn Osborn in the Town net. Vics kept pressing, never allowing Atherstone to settle on the ball, and nearly went two up in the 10th minute as Sam Deering won the ball from a defender, drove forward and drove a shot at goal which the keeper had to grab at the second attempt. Osborn then deflected another Deering effort wide and centre-back Karston Cairns directed a free header from a corner just wide as Vics continued to cause problems. Then in the 29th minute, Simba Nyamwanzi benefitted as a Town defender and the keeper didn’t communicate which left the young loanee from Shrewsbury to calmly slot the ball into an empty net.

HALF-TIME : Atherstone Town 0 Northwich Vics 2

Atherstone started the second half with more purpose and started to push Vics back, though without any undue alarms at first. Indeed Vics could have gone three up as Adam Barlow found Nyamwanzi down the right, who beat his man and crossed well for Deering to fire a strike just over the bar. Two minutes later, Town’s captain Lewis Collins pulled one back as he fired a great strike in off the bar giving Prior no chance. This spurred some belief back into Town and Vics were under pressure for the first time in the match. Prior did excellently to tip a low effort around the post before Town’s Ryan Quinn did well to control a deep cross , turned and fired a shot which hit the post, ricocheted along the line and somehow didn’t go into the back of the net. The pressure eventually told though and Town got the equaliser in the 79th minute following a goalmouth scramble as Prior bravely saved twice but the ball was eventually forced over the line by Ryan Harkin. Two all and all to play for now, and Vics did start to play again and they got their reward for their enterprise in the 3rd minute of added-on time as Will Lloyd strode forward, put in a perfect cross for Deering to nip in and steer the ball past the flailing Osborn to send the Vics’ fans wild with delight.

FULL-TIME : Atherstone Town 2 Northwich Vics 3

A thoroughly enjoyable match between two decent teams with Sam Deering leading the line superbly and getting his reward with his last minute winner. Thanks to Atherstone for the great hospitality, always good to play a friendly Club and we wish them luck in the play-offs which they are sure to be in.

Next Match :

Saturday 22nd March Away v Whitchurch Alport 3.00pm