Pete Tonge provides his verdict on the Northwich Victoria performance in a 2-2 draw at AFC Wulfrunians…

TWO points dropped or a point gained?  Not quite sure as Vics had chances to win, but were never at their best.

Vics could have been ahead within 45 seconds, as Unwin beat his full back and sent the ball across goal where it fell to Jackson Kelly whose shot was hacked off the line by a Wulfrunian defender - indeed that was their first touch of the ball!

However, it was Wulfrunians who took the lead after 15 minutes when a corner was half cleared and played back into the box where the unmarked Cockerell was waiting to slide the ball into the net.

It could have been two a minute later as only a great block by Faulkner denied Cockerell again.

However, Vics got back into the match in the 24th minute, and what a move it was.

Kelly slipped the ball out wide to Joe Camozzi who fired an inch perfect low cross in for Mamadou Djabi to fire home from close range.

This was now Vics' best period of the match.

Anton Smith had a shot easily saved after good work by Unwin, but it was a moment of individual brilliance by Unwin in the 39th minute which gave Vics the lead.

He collected the ball out wide on the left, cut in and beat two men before rocketing a shot into the bottom corner of the net.

It wasn't long though before on the stroke of half time Wulfrunians were awarded a penalty for a barge as a Vics defender challenged for a header at the far post.

But Ollie Culkin came to Vics' rescue as to dived to his right to save the tame effort to maintain Vics' slender lead at half time.

Vics never really got going in the second half as Wulfrunians pushed them back with some quick attacking football as they searched for an equaliser.

It nearly came in the 52nd minute as a ball was crossed low into the Vics area, and somehow a Wulfrunian foot put the ball high over the bar from three yards out when it seemed easier to score.

They didn't have to wait long though, because two minutes later Cockerell poked home  from close range after Culkin made a good save but couldn't grab the loose ball.

Anton Smith had a shot which flashed wide for Vics but the hosts should have gone ahead in the 71st minute as a corner was swung in and was met by a Wulfrunian head from close range but somehow it went wide.

Fifteen minutes to go, and Vics were getting back into the game more.

Callum Parker forced Sam Arnold into a good save with a low shot after a lovely move by Vics, and a minute later it was Parker again who just failed to get onto the end of a great cross from Dylan Switters.

However the last big chance fell to Wulfrunians when a corner came high into the box, and the ball was eventually  put into the net but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Culkin.

Match facts:

AFC Wulfrunians 2 Northwich Victoria 2

At Prestige Midlands Arena, Wolverhampton

Midland League Premier Division

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Vics: Culkin, Camozzi, Saunders, Faulkner, Russo, Unwin, Smith, Switters (Crellin 82'), Clarke, Kelly (Parker 60'), Djabi (Hurst 72'). Subs not used: Willams, Hill

Goals: AFC Wulfrunians: Cockerell (15', 54'). Vics: Djabi 24', Unwin 39'

Next match:  Saturday, September 7 v Romulus, home, 3pm, Midland League