Vics take comfort in defeat

Dec 31 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

IMPROVING Northwich suffered their first Blue Square Premiership defeat in six weeks at Nene Park, but were able to take comfort from all four of their relegation rivals also losing.

Northwich matched their mid-table hosts for most of the game, but failed to take what few chances they were able to create. Lucas Akins came nearest by hitting an upright, while Michael Welch saw a 30-yard free-kick tipped over by Paul Bastock.

In the second half, former Bury striker Jake Speight came on as a substitute for his first game in three months and was applauded by the 100 visiting fans when he put in a dazzling dribble before shooting wide.

An otherwise solid Vics defence in which goalkeeper Scott Tynan and centre-half Nat Kerr were prominent, was caught napping in the second minute of first-half injury time.

Rushden’s marksman was the lively Wayne Hatswell, who headed in an Andy Burgess cross from 12 yards, although the Northwich players and manager Dino Maamria were upset that referee Ray Merchant failed to rule it out for offside.

Northwich, who had four players booked, missed the experience of striker Lee Steele with a hamstring strain, but he hopes to be back in action for New Year’s Day’s crucial return derby match at Altrincham.

RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS: Bastock, Osano, Gulliver, Foster, Woodhouse; Challinor, Howell, Burgess, Jackson; Hatswell, McAllister (Rankine 76). Booked: Woodhouse.

NORTHWICH: Tynan; Rusk, Welch, Kerr, Brown; Williams, Carr, Wilson (Byrne 76) Morning; Akins, Farquarson (Speight 63). Booked: Kerr, Williams, Byrne, Wilson. ATTENDANCE: 1,519.