Northwich Vics outclass Witton youth in seven goal thriller (From Warrington Guardian)

Northwich Vics outclass Witton youth in seven goal thriller

NORTHWICH Vics youth team came out on top in this local derby as they put Witton Albion to the sword.

Vics took the lead, in the Longton Trophy Premier Division tie after just two minutes through Dyson and never really looked back, completely dominating the entire match.

Gale force winds made it difficult for Witton to get out of the half during the first period and Northwich used this to apply constant pressure.

The pressure told again after twenty four minutes when a searching cross-field pass from Bailey found McCarthy who glided past two defenders and lashed home from twenty yards.

Witton did show they weren't there just to make up the numbers and grabbed a goal back after 30 minutes having forced Vics into a defensive error.

Northwich though responded quickly and a deep cross from McCarthy found Dyson who calmly slid the ball home to restore the two-goal advantage.

The pick of the goals in the first half came after 38 minutes when Sandbach released Tasker who then rounded the keeper and played in O'Brien who placed his left-footed effort past two stranded Witton defenders on the line.

Coach Barry Christmas said: "I knew the second half would be tough as the wind was a big factor today. Having the wind first half meant we could apply pressure early."

And the wind did play a part, with Witton enjoying much more possession but they couldn't create any clear-cut chances as the Vics back three of Benali, Ireland and Dicker held strong.

Northwich attempted to keep the ball on the ground to negate the effect of the wind and managed to carry the attack back to Witton.

As the game looked to be fading out O'Brien released substitute Swann who drilled past Finney in the Witton goal.

With seconds left Northwich scored again when good build up play from Sandbach and Tasker allowed Benali to force the ball home and complete the 6-1 rout.

Christmas added: "I was pleased with how strong we looked in the second half.

"We attempted to pass the ball and keep it on the floor. Our team shape and discipline was impressive today.

"The lads deserved a positive result after an indifferent period."

VICS: Woods, Dicker (Swann), Ireland, Benali, O'Brien, Bailey, McCarthy (McGarry), Ennion, Sandbach (Roberts), Tasker, Dyson. Subs not used: Jones, Jennings.

WITTON: Finney, Cliffe, Coghlan, Pickering, Jump, Lowe, Rogers, Burrows, McMurray, Saih, Munroe. Subs used: McCain, Greenwood.