NORTHWICH Victoria progressed in the FA Cup after forcing Longridge Town into an unexpected playing style.

Goals from Ashley Dunn just before the interval and Matty Birchall five minutes into the second half put the Trickies in control away to their North West Counties League Premier Division rivals and book a home tie against Clitheroe on August 21.

The hosts, failing to force a save out of Vics' Chris Cheetham, switched to long-ball tactics.

Although they pulled a goal back through Jack Anderton in the 87th minute, Vics held on in a nervy finish.

"We said they'd come out at half-time on the front foot but it was us on the front foot again and we scored a good second goal," said Vics manager Steve Wilkes.

"I'm disappointed we didn't get three or four goals if I'm honest.

"We knew they were going to throw bodies forward and they threw on a big leggy forward who Rudy Misambo handled brilliantly in the last 15 to 20 minutes.

"You are going to be under pressure at some point of a game but I thought we handled it very well.

"I take a bit of credit. I've known Longridge manager Lee Ashcroft a long time and Ash's a very good manager that has his team playing football.

"And that's the first time I've seen him revert to a long ball."

Vics will be back in league action on Wednesday when they return to Wincham Park to host Wythenshawe Town, who came from two goals down to win 3-2 at Thackley in their Emirates FA Cup extra preliminary round tie today.