Bears back to winning ways in dominant display

The Bears included new signing Jamie McLellan in defence with Leon Donnelly and Jonathan Breeze on the bench. Keeper Rob Cooke made a rare start for the home side.

The opening exchanges belonged to the home side with Hasler-Cregg going close and Cope firing wide from just a few yards out. Cope then almost collected a charge down from a clearance but the keeper recovered. Vic’s were being limited to shots from range which didn’t really trouble Cooke. Saul Henderson hit a screamer from the edge of the box which clattered the post and Cope shot wide after Rick Peters put him through, then Dean Warburton’s finish had a similar result.

The deadlock was broken on 31 minutes. Cope’s cross into the box was cleared for a throw, Hasler-Cregg picked it up, made a superb solo run and finished with a shot into the corner of the net. 1-0.

Vic’s then put together a couple of chances which both saw the ball sent over the bar. Cope doubled the Bears lead on 42 minutes. Dominik Williams free-kick found Henderson, his shot was saved by the outstretched hand of Scott, Warburton picked up the ball, crossed to Cope who headed home. 2-0.

Just before half time Northwich were awarded a penalty. Former Bear Brian Matthews stepped up and although Cooke got a hand to it, the power of the shot beat him, 2-1.

Half Time Congleton Town 2-1 Northwich Victoria

The Bears opened the second half on the offensive, with Hasler-Cregg and Cope going close. Cooke was on hand to save a well struck shot and then caught well. Mini Adegbenro and Paul Speed both went close as the Bears looked to stretch their lead but the final touch was lacking. Vic’s tried to get back into the game but were creating very little to worry the solid Bears defence. John Main replaced Cope on 70 minutes and he added a different dimension to the attack.

Adegbenro linked well with Henderson to create a couple of chances but the goal continued to elude them. With ten minutes to go, brave keeping by Cooke saw him get down well to smother a chance under pressure. Tom Morris then played in Main, but once again the shot went wide.

Bears brought on new signing Donnelly for the last five minutes.

The final whistle brought to an end a game which saw a good performance from the Bears but one where the shooting radar was a little off.

Final Score Congleton Town 2-1 Northwich Victoria

Team Cooke, Williams, Peters, McLellan, Morris, Speed, Hasler-Cregg, Warburton, Henderson, Cope (Main 70), Adegbenro (Donnelly 85)
Unused subs: Stephens, Breeze

This was a well deserved win for the Bears and based on the 1st half chances they could have won by more. The defence played well, only conceding a goal from the spot which Cooke got a hand to.