Pete Tonge gives his verdict on Northwich Victoria's opening NWCFL 1-0 home loss to Avro...
NORTHWICH Victoria failed to take early chances and ultimately paid the price.
Vics started the match brightly and positively, and firstly Matty Birchall had a shot cleared. Then Matt Dudley went close with a snapshot which was well saved by Avro keeper Shenton in the first eight minutes.
Avro didn't have their first effort until the ninth minute as a Jake Cottrell shot was deflected wide, and the resultant corner came to nothing.
Vics were desperately unlucky in the 14th minute as a cracking shot from Dudley from outside the box cannoned against the post.
Vics kept pressing without really creating anything apart from a few crosses from deep into the box which Avro defended well whilst Avro threatened occasionally with Michael Afuye looking dangerous.
It was Afuye who had their best chance in the 38th minute as his shot from inside the box just cleared the bar.
Both keepers were forced into great saves early in the second half.
Firstly, Cheetham, for Vics, acrobatically kept out a Sam Rathbone header from a Worrall cross in the 49th minute.
Then 5 minutes later, it was Avro's keeper Ryan Shenton's turn as he somehow blocked a Matty Birchall close range shot.
Avro took the lead in the 59th minute, as a crossed ball caused havoc in the Vics defence and despite a great save by Cheetham, and a goal-line clearance, Liam Ellis managed to poke the ball into the net at the third attempt.
From this point, Vics were frustrated by Avro's game management as they wasted time and 'suffered' numerous injuries. And Vics didn't help themselves by reverting to a long-ball game.
To be honest, they never really looked likely to get back in the match.
Avro were content, relying on quick breaks, with Kane Wallwork and Jack Worrall going close in the final 10 minutes.
Vics are next in action away to Squires Gate in the FA Cup on Saturday and then have their first home league game of the season against Litherland REMYCA on Wednesday, August 10.
Vics: Cheetham, Camozzi, Allen, Barski, Bennett, Whyte, Winder, Jackson, Martin (Sherlock 78'), Birchall ( McPherson 82'), Dudley ( Gordon 82'). Un-used sub: Biddle
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