NORTHWICH VICTORIA 8 – 2 DROYLSDEN

EvoStik NPL Division One (North)

Saturday 13 February 2016

By Gary Owen

The Bloods were put to the sword by title-chasing Vics at Witton Albion, with Dave Pace’s men finding themselves four down after only eighteen minutes.

Brandon Zibaka put home keeper Mason Springthorpe under pressure to head wide, but after that it was mostly one-way traffic.  Richie Bennett crossed for Iain Howard to volley over at the far post, but Vics found the net as Mike Clarke headed home Brian Summerskill’s free kick after Steve James had failed to punch clear.

Bennett and Burnett went close for Vics, but it was 2-0 when a weak header by Luke Daly was lifted over the stranded James by Burnett, and a minute later a low cross by 9 was turned home by Summerskill.

Vics’ three goal lead became four when a Summerskill free kick was spooned by James, and Gary Burnett rolled home the loose ball.

There were to be no further goals in the first half, as Droylsden enjoyed some good spells of possession, but without testing Springthorpe.

However, business resumed for Vics when Andy Watson headed home from a corner kick, before Howard shot wide with only James to beat.

Droylsden rallied somewhat and pulled back a coupld of goals, firstly through Dominic Smith as he converted Billy Hasler-Cregg’s cross with aplomb, and then Zibaka’s effort struck Springthorpe and hit the Droylsden forward before ricocheting over the line.

However, a 12 minutes Josh Amis hat-trick then rubbed the Cheshire salt into Droylsden’s gaping wounds, with Northwich also striking the bar in the closing stages to cap a miserable day at the office for Droylsden.

NORTHWICH VICTORIA:  Springthorpe, Byrne, Duxbury, Roddy, Clarke, Watson, Summerskill, Ball (Ali, 64’), Bennett (Amis, 68’), Howard, Burnett (Krou, 57’).  Subs. not used – King, Sanogo.

DROYLSDEN:                      James, Gibson (Parkinson, 53’), Barber, Wood (Howe, 57’), Hampson B., O’Brien, Daly (Smith, 64’), Rouse, Zibaka, Edmondson-Rouse, 88’), Hasler-Cregg.  Subs. not used – Murphy, Grmishaw.

Referee:                                 Mr. James Madine (Liverpool)

Attendance:                          168

Category: Match Reports