Northwich showing signs of progress

Jan 21 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

A REMODELLED Northwich gave a good account of themselves for 45 minutes at the Pirelli Stadium before falling away to become well beaten by a Blue Square Premier side vying for a Football League place.

Manager Dino Maamria, who has made no fewer than 10 signings during the transfer window, introduced seven of them at various times in defenders Carlos Belle and Michael Bowler, midfielders Joel Byrom, Jamie Mullan and David Roddin and strikers Aaron Burns and Keith Barker.

Several looked promising, but it was a tall order for the new team to produce a positive result against one of non-league’s top outfits, developed over several seasons by long-serving manager Nigel Clough

Burton took the lead in two minutes when Aaron Webster scored from close range after the Vics defenders had failed to clear a scrimmage.

After Belle had a header breasted off the line by Tony James, the Staffordshire side made it 2-0 on 30 minutes, Andy Corbett smashing the ball home after a brilliantly-crafted breakaway.

Northwich replied with a fine goal by Burns on 33 minutes when he collected a Michael Carr pass to hit the ball crisply wide of Kevin Poole to give his side hope.

Burton came out reinvigorated after the break and applied the killer touch on 61 minutes when a modest low shot by Shaun Harrad wriggled its way under goalkeeper Scott Tynan’s body. Albion completed what had become a comfortable victory on 72 minutes when attacking full-back Webster tapped the ball in at the far post when John McGrath flicked on a corner.

Vics’ plight in the relegation zone worsened as a result of the point Altrincham gained against York which puts them nine points ahead of their Cheshire rivals in the crucial 20th place.

BURTON: Poole; Brayford (Holmes 84) Corbett, James, Webster; McGrath, Stride, Farrell (Hooper 78) , Simpson; Clare (Greaves 72), Harrad.

NORTHWICH: Tynan; Kerr, Welch, Belle, Bowler (Barker 67); Mullan, Carr (Roddin 76 ), Byrom, Horrocks; Aiken (Hanley 75), Burns. Booked: Kerr. REFEREE: J Farries (Leeds). ATTENDANCE: 2,164.