Vulcan 4

Vicars 1

IT was not only local pride that hung on to this 'derby' as Vulcan needed three points to go clear at the top of the table and relegation-threatened Vicars needed to win to ensure their safety.

Both sides worked hard to accomplish their goal but it was Vulcan who were celebrating after the final whistle had been blown.

They showed plenty of quality on a rain soaked pitch and thoroughly deserved to come out on top.

Vulcan took an early lead when Marsden struck a superb free kick into the top corner of Vicars' goal after Goode had been fouled on the edge of the penalty area.

Goode was also instrumental in Vulcan's second goal.

He beat two defenders and crossed for Eaves to scramble the ball home at the far post.

Vicars hit back with a good spell of concerted pressure and they reduced their arrears from the penalty spot after Partington had been fouled inside the area.

The second half was more eventful than the first and Vulcan started the better of the two teams.

Antony Woodier went past two men and struck a shot narrowly over the bar and Salihi missed when clean through on goal.

Vicars took confidence from the let offs and they posed a genuine threat on the break for the remainder of the second half.

But they struggled to carve open clear chances at goal and Vulcan wrapped up the points with goals by Carrey and Marsden.

Carrey benefited from a rebound moments after entering the fray as a substitute and Marsden netted with the last kick of the game following more good work from Goode.

The goals were sandwiched by a penalty appeal from Vicars.

Howard was bundled over inside the penalty box but the referee waved play on.