Dabbers aim for an FA Vase victory (From Warrington Guardian)

Dabbers aim for an FA Vase victory

NANTWICH Town warmed up for this weekend's massive FA Vase clash against Buxton with a comfortable victory at Ramsbottom United.

Goals from Rob Adlington, Andy Kinsey and Stuart Scheuber secured an impressive 3-0 victory for the Dabbers, who bounced back in style from their disappointing reverse against neighbours Alsager Town.

The win was the perfect preparation for this weekend's FA Vase 5th round tie with Buxton at Jackson Avenue, kick-off 3pm.

Although Nantwich ran out comfortable winners, their patience was tested as a host of first-half chances went begging.

Andy Kinsey hit the angle of the post and crossbar in the first minute as the Dabbers started brightly, and on 22 minutes, Rob Adlington was unlucky to see his powerful shot fly narrowly wide of the upright.

With Nantwich pressure building, Adlington went close again and it looked only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken.

The hosts somehow survived until half-time but the pressure continued after the break, with Danny Griggs and Stuart Scheuber both going close.

The Ramsbottom defence was finally breached on the hour when Adlington seized on Chris Smith's hopeful long ball before looping a shot over Campbell for 1-0.

Andy Kinsey doubled his side's lead on 72 minutes from a Paul Taylor corner, and a minute later Adlington almost added a third.

Into the closing period and Ramsbottom were clearly waiting for the final whistle in the face of more Nantwich pressure and some flowing football.

Stuart Scheuber grabbed a last minute goal after good work by Murray McCulloch to seal a comfortable victory.

All eyes now turn to this Saturday's eagerly-awaited clash with Buxton in the FA Vase.

The encounter looks tricky on paper, with Buxton currently topping the Northern Counties East Premier Division having scored 101 goals in all competitions this season.

The Derbyshire club are managed by former Bradford boss Nicky Law and have just signed former Bolton forward David Reeves, who made more than 600 professional appearances in his career.

Player-manager Steve Davis said: "We have watched them so we know what to expect.

"We know we are the underdogs but that has been the case in nearly every round.

"If we play to our potential, we know we can win."

A big crowd from Buxton is expected at Jackson Avenue this Saturday, and Davis hopes the Crewe and Nantwich public will turn out to support his side.

Victory for Nantwich would put them just two rounds away from the final at Birmingham City's St Andrews stadium in May.