Pete Tonge reflects on Northwich Victoria’s 3-1 defeat at Romulus, a game that went on to be Matt Barnes’ last game in charge of The Trickies…

A FIRST 15 minutes for Vics to forget as Romulus raced into a three-goal lead!

Their first attack led to a free kick wide out on the left which was swung in, and an unmarked Chris Uwabor sent a glancing diving header into the back of the net.

Seven minutes later it was two as Maradoche Mipro sent a daisy cutter shot past Barry into the corner of the net from 18 yards.

Worse was to come as the defence opened up again five minutes later and the ball was squared across for Fin Douglas to tap home.

Vics were shellshocked and despite Sam Unwin having the beating of his man down the left wing, they were looking toothless up front and creating little as the match began to settle down.

Vics did have a claim for a penalty as the half drew to a  close as Unwin raced into the area and appeared to be pushed from behind but the referee waved play on.

Vics came out stronger in the second half, with Lloyd and Switters winning the midfield battle and were given a glimmer of hope in the 58th minute as a hopeful high ball in from deep was played in just inside the penalty area and Jack Coop beat the Romulus keeper in the air and the ball rolled into the empty net.

Vics then applied some pressure with Unwin and Lloyd having shots just wide of the net over the next 10 minutes or so, but Romulus were looking comfortable and they easily saw out the remaining 15 minutes to run out deserved winners.

Vics’ day got worse just before the final whistle as midfielder Anton Smith  was taken off with a nasty head injury after a clash of heads.

A day to forget for Vics on a weekend of remembrance for the country.

Match facts:

Romulus 3 Northwich Victoria 1

Midland League Premier Division

Saturday, November 9, 2024

At Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield

Vics: Barry, Camozzi, Faulkner, Williams ( Saunders 45’), Hurst ( Ogundare 78’), Perry, Lloyd, Switters ( Parker 59’), Clarke (Smith 55’), Unwin, Coop ( Russo 65’). Subs not used: None

Goals: Romulus: Uwabor 1’, Mipro 8’, Douglas 13’. Vics: Coop 58’

Next match: Saturday, November 16: Vics v Stourport Swifts, Midland Premier League Premier Division, at Barton Stadium, Winsford, kick-off 3pm.

Editor’s note: Pete Tonge’s reflections were written before Matt Barnes’ resignation