Saturday March 29th
Capelli Sport MFL Premier Division
Northwich Victoria 0 Brocton 0
Brocton made just the one change from the side that drew 0-0 at OJM Black Country last weekend with Lucas Green-Birch replacing Charlie King. King took his place on a strong subs bench which included fit again Ben Haddaway and Jake Thomas. Northwich Victoria had had some excellent results of late including a 3-2 win at third place Atherstone Town.
On a blustery afternoon in Winsford it was the home side that made the first impression. Clever footwork from Adam Barlow created an opening but Kenny Devoir was on hand to clear the danger. Brocton’s first attempt came from a Josh Simcox volley which was well over the crossbar. In the 9th minute, a mistake by Devoir let in Corey Knight. The striker delayed his shot and was shepherded away from goal by a piece of excellent defending from Cooper Marsh. Brocton went close three minutes later when Reg Smith shot on the turn and was inches wide. A Connor Haddaway free kick was cut out by the Vics defence and Will Whieldon was off target with the loose ball. In the 21st minute, a strong run by Sam Gill ended with a weak finish. Barlow then took aim, and his shot cannoned off Tom Vaughan. In stoppage time, a free kick from Whieldon was met by Smith, but his header was straight at Zac Prior.
Half-time: Northwich Victoria 0 Brocton 0
The home side had the first attempt of the second half, Corey Knight’s header easily held by Tony Allsopp. Two minutes later, Smith’s shot was blocked by the Vics defence and when the rebound fell to the league’s leading scorer, he was denied by a well timed tackle which saw the ball deflect behind. Barlow created a chance for Corey Knight, but he was off target. The Vics went close to opening the scoring in the 55th minute. A shot from Simbarashe Nyamwanza took a slight deflection, beat Allsopp, and came back off the post. Brocton were the next to create an opportunity, Smith heading wide from Whieldon’s pinpoint free kick. Chances were few and far between. A corner from Ben Crane was headed wide with Vics appealing for a foul. In the 83rd minute, Smith’s first time volley was straight at Prior. In the final minute, Matthew Argent-Barnes wasted the games best opportunity, clean through on goal he lifted the ball over the cross bar. Almost immediately, Smith brought out a fine save from Prior. In the 6th minute of time added on, Vics were awarded a free kick, but Crane’s shot hit the wall, and the danger passed.
Full-time: Northwich Victoria 0 Brocton 0 Attendance:138
Northwich Victoria: Zac Prior, Matthew Clarke, Joe Hurst, Adam Barlow, Blerti Jacaj (Tem Gamble 80), Archie Gardiner, Bevan Burey (Ali Hayder 76), Sam Gill (Matthew Argent-Barnes 80), Corey Knight (Lee Knight 60), Will Lloyd, Simbarashe Nyamwanza (Ben Crane 68)
Brocton: Tony Allsopp, Jake Danan, Josh Simcox, Kenny Devoir, Tom Vaughan, Lucas Green-Birch (Morgan Payne 79), Will Whieldon, Cooper Marsh (Jake Thomas 72), Reg Smith, Connor Haddaway, Jude King (Charlie King 67). Subs (Not Used): Ben Haddaway, Cam Osborne
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