Pete Tonge gives his verdict on Northwich Victoria's midweek 3-1 win at Charnock Richard...

A quickfire start by the Vics made sure they got back to winning ways after the disappointing result against Wythenshawe Town at the weekend.

A remarkable start to the match saw Vics take a 3 goal lead in the first 12 minutes as it was all Vics.

As early as the 4th minute, Birchall fired a volley goalwards which Collins in the Charnock net did well to tip away, then Martyn Jackson had a shot just over the bar as the ball fell to him on the edge of the area.

This just proved to be a sighter for his next involvement, as a long throw from Alex Bennett was only cleared out to Jackson 25 yards out who volleyed it beautifully into the top corner.

3 minutes later it was two as a corner was met at the near post by Matt Dudley who headed past Collins.

Amazingly, only two minutes later it was 3 to the Vics as Matty Birchall floated a cross cum shot from 30 yards out which floated over Collins' head into the back of the net. I'm sure he meant it!

A shell-shocked Charnock side slowly began to regain their composure, and started pressing Vics back.

Nickeas had a shot well blocked after 20 minutes, whilst Rhys Barton fired over from inside the box after being well found by Lewis Haydock.

Vics were looking to catch Charnock on the break now, and the impressive Tom Walker was unlucky on the half hour as his shot whistled just over the bar.

Vics' defence was holding Charnock's attack well limiting them to half chances but they should have scored on the stroke of half time as a neat move on the right saw Bibby centre the ball, which broke to an unmarked Marcus Haydock at the back post but he somehow managed to put the ball wide.

HALF-TIME: Charnock Richard 0 Northwich Vics 3

Charnock continued to press after the break, Holt headed a cross over the bar, then another cross was met by Carl Grimshaw who headed wide as Vics' defence was put under pressure.

Charnock did finally get a goal in the 56th minute as Lewis Holt got his head to a hopeful ball forward before Chris Cheetham in the Vics' net. A bit of a soft goal to concede after so much good work.

Charnock kept the pressure on with some testing crosses but Vics' defence was resolute and as the half wore on, Vics were looking more and more dangerous on the break.

Ashley Young, and then Lewis Holt twice, both had half chances easily saved by Cheetham whilst at the other end, John Black hammered a free kick into the side netting.

Cheetham did excellently to tip a Brad Carsley header over the bar in the 84th minute whilst a minute later Lewis Holt had two shots well blocked.

Vics' substitute, new signing Kuda Chingwaro was denied a debut goal late on as he broke the offside trap but Collins did well to block his shot.

FULL-TIME: Charnock Richard 1 Northwich Vics 3

An excellent defensive performance by the Vics after the scintillating first 15 minutes stunned Charnock Richard. A good win against a side that hadn't lost at home this season.

Match facts:

Charnock Richard 1 Northwich Victoria 3

North West Counties Premier Division

Tuesday 19th October 2022

At Mossie Park, Charnock Richard

Vics: Cheetham, Camozzi, Allen Black, Bennett, Martin ( Chingwaro 82'), Jackson M (Siyam Muhammad 62'), Walker, Dunn, Birchall (Mather 88'), Dudley. Un-used subs’ - Soman Muhammad, Clarke

GOALS:

Charnoch Richard: Holt 56'

Northwich Vics: Jackson M 7', Dudley 10' Birchall 12'

NEXT MATCH: Wednesday, October 26, home v Longridge Town, 3pm