Vics squander chance

Mar 19 2008 by Staff Copytaker, Liverpool Daily Post

NORTHWICH threw away a two-goal lead and at the same time possibly their chance of survival in the Blue Square Conference this season.

In an entertaining first half, Northwich had the best chances, coming closest to breaking the deadlock in the 32nd minute, when Lee Steele shot narrowly wide after good work by Jamie Mullan and Darryn Stamp.

The half remained goalless but just at the start of the second half a mistake by ex-Vics player Chris Blackburn allowed Steele to advance and open the scoring.

Northwich increased the lead on 70 minutes with a well worked goal by Stamp who headed an excellent cross from Mullan against the crossbar and then headed home the rebound.

The visitors responded by reducing the lead in the 71st minute as Jake Hyde did well to turn and hit the ball home. Just four minutes later, woeful defending by Ryan Brown allowed James Coutts to equalise and try as they may, Northwich were unable to conjure up the winning goal that the fans were demanding.