Last week’s win against top-of-the-league Marine put Vics in good spirits ahead of their league clash with Nantwich Town. Northwich welcomed back George Newton from international duty, playing 90 minutes against Poland for England School Boys last week. New signing Callum R also made his debut alongside Wilson at centre half.

The 3G surface complimented Vics' favoured passing style, and not for numerous offside decisions (throughout both the first and second half), they could have been 3-0 up within the first 10 minutes. The first goal came 15 minutes in; striker Jack Woolley was held up on the edge of the box, a clever turn however allowed him a shot on goal and he powered the ball into the bottom left corner. Full backs Newton and Robinson linked up well with both central midfield pair Valentine and Stamer as well as wingers Norris and Goulding to create numerous chances.

The second goal came 10 minutes later, again Woolley the scorer. A well worked passage between him and strike partner Short allowed Woolley to slot home past the keeper. 2-0 Vics.

Northwich were desperate for more goals, and rightly so as they had dominated throughout limiting Nantwich to barely a shot on goal. As the first half was coming to an end, Vics were awarded a corner and as orange shirts flooded the box, the ball was swung in. As Nantwich failed to clear the ball bobbled around the goal mouth before debutant Callum R grabbed the final touch and poked home to put Vics 3-0 ahead.

Half time Score: Nantwich Town 0-3 Northwich Victoria

Vics' second half was poor compared to the first; Nantwich had much more possession of the ball and were allowed numerous shots on goal. Northwich never looked like regaining the hold on the game they had in the first half and gave the ball away far too cheaply. When a chance was created however, the referee pulled play back for offside.

Vics' 4th came in controversial circumstances (for the home team at least), As Jack Woolley's 20 yard effort was blocked by his own team mate Harry Short. As the ball collided with him however, it sat up nicely for a volley on his preferred left side and he blasted the ball into the top left corner. Nantwich players were furious Short wasn’t given offside, protests were waved away however as the goal stood and Vics led 4-0.

Nantwich almost grabbed a consolation goal towards the end, a low cross from the winger rebounded off the defender and towards the goal. Sharp reactions from keeper Niiakai Sonne prevented the goal however as he blocked and cleared to safety.

Full Time Score: Nantwich Town 0-4 Northwich Victoria



squad:

GK - Niiakai Sonne

RB - Tom Robinson (Kieran Roberts '60)
CB - Callum Rattigan
CB - Tom Wilson (c)
LB - George Newton

RW - Craig Goulden (Matty Griffiths '70)
CM - Ben Stamer
CM - Ryan Valentine
LW - Dylan Norris

ST - Harry Short (Mason Oakley '84)
ST - Jack Woolley

subs:
Kieran Roberts
Matty Griffiths
Mason Oakley
Ellis Hackett

Manager: Paul Valentine
Coach: Judd Gregory
Fitness Coach: James Griffiths
Physio: Nick Sherwood