Halifax Town 0 Northwich Vics 5 Nationwide Conference Monday, August 26

A GREGG Blundell hat-trick and one each from Mark Devlin and David McNiven ensured that Northwich left the Shay with three points and a huge moral booster in the bag.

In fact the gulf in class was so marked that it was hard to believe that Halifax were playing in the football league last season.

So great was Northwich's domination that at times the game was played at exhibition pace and a cricket score seemed likely.

But take nothing away from Vics' performance, you can only beat what is put before you and rarely have Jimmy Quinn's men done so so comprehensively.

Northwich showed their intent after just three minutes and from the moment Devlin's 25 yard curling shot nestled in the top corner of the Halifax goal, the result was never in question.

And on a hot day the Halifax side failed to keep their cool and had two players needlessly sent off.

Vics were in complete control in every area of the pitch and it was surprising that they didn't double the lead until the 64th minute when good work from Steve Garvey released McNiven who couldn't miss from eight yards out.

With 16 minutes remaining Blundell scored his first and Vics' third as he squeezed the ball past Lee Butler in the Halifax goal.

Blundell then completed his hat-trick with two well taken goals in stoppage time.

Vics: Gibson, Royle, Ingram, Woodward (Maguire 65), Rioch, Norris (Taylor 65) Devlin, Owen (Quinn 75), Garvey, McNiven, Blundell. Subs not used: Sedgemore, Matthews. Attendence: 1,491. Star Man: Devlin