Pete Tonge delves into Northwich Victoria’s 1-1 draw at home to Studley…

A FAIRLY quiet start to the match attacking wise, with only a cross from Will Lloyd which looped up and bounced off the crossbar in the eighth minute to show for their efforts.

However, Vics were dealt a blow a couple of minutes later as keeper Keir Barry was forced off after suffering an injury.

And with no sub keeper available, midfielder Marcus Perry took over the gloves with Callum Parker coming off the bench.

Studley pressed forward trying to capitalise and test Perry but Vics’ defence were having none of it and worked hard to deny Studley chances.

Joe Camozzi made a great block to deny a goal-bound effort in the 19th minute, while Harris Saunders tracked back brilliantly to make a last-second tackle to stop a further Studley attempt.

Perry was looking confident in goal though and did well to claw out a wind assisted corner which was headed for the top corner and also dealt well with the long balls which Studley pumped into the area.

It wasn’t all Studley either and it was Vics who took the lead in the 32nd minute as Joe Camozzi whipped a cross in which was stopped by a Studley hand, and Jack Coop stepped up confidently to slot home the resultant penalty.

Four minutes later, Anton Smith had a shot deflected wide after being found well by Coop in the box, while Sam Unwin’s effort a minute later was also deflected wide.

From the resultant corner, Saunders headed just over as Vics tried to extend their lead.

As the half headed into injury time, Vics were indebted to captain Matty Clarke’ brilliant diving block which denied Studley an almost certain equaliser as Vics stoically defended a series of corners.

The second half proved to be a quieter affair with Vics being more cautious and Studley tending to hoof the ball forward for their big men up front.

Vics were coping well with this, and protecting Perry in net who dealt well with the crosses and balls forward supremely well.

In fact he made a world-class save in the 60th minute as he back-pedalled along the line to tip away a looping header from a corner which was heading for the net.

As the half went on, Vics were looking dangerous on the break, and Studley were lucky not to be down to 10 men in the 65th minute as Unwin broke down the left and was cynically taken out with a late high “tackle” which the inconsistent referee ruled only worthy of a yellow card.

Seven minutes later, Unwin again caused havoc down the left, beat his defender and drove into the box where he was brought down. Penalty? Apparently not! I don’t think Studley would have complained too much if it had been given!

Matt Clarke sent a volley sizzling wide of the post but it was Studley who then equalised with their first real chance of the half.

A tackle was lost in midfield which allowed Studley to bring the ball forward and play the ball into the box where their number 17 was waiting to slide the ball past Perry into the net to equalise.

A big last 10 minutes for the Vics, and indeed it was Vics who had the best chance to win it when substitute Jackson Kelly raced down the right wing and crossed well for Parker to head straight at the keeper when well placed.

Another game where Vics will feel it was two points lost rather than one gained but a very strong defensive performance with Saunders outstanding, and a supremely confident and commanding display by emergency stand-in keeper Perry.

Match facts:

Northwich Victoria 1 Studley 1

Midland League Premier Division

Saturday 12th October 2024

At Barton Stadium, Winsford

Vics: Barry (Parker 13mins), Camozzi, Saunders, Faulkner, Hurst, Perry, Lloyd (Switters 84), Clarke, Unwin, Smith, Coop ( Kelly 74). Subs not used: Russo, Williams.

Goals: Vics: Coop 32 (pen). Studley: 79mins.

Next match: Saturday, away to Brocton, 3pm, Midland League