Hereford United 0 Northwich Vics 0

Nationwide Conference

Monday., August 28

NORTHWICH Vics have pulled themselves up the Nationwide Conference table by keeping their second clean sheet of the Bank Holiday weekend.

Monday's impressive goalless draw at Hereford United, followed the side's first win of the season against Morecambe on Saturday.

Manager Mark Gardiner said: "We've played four teams from the top half of the table and done fine against every one. I think Hereford will be up there, and Morecambe beat Nuneaton 4-0 on Monday, so I'm pleased with the way it's gone.

"We could do with a few more goals, but the pleasing thing is we've only let in two in four games. We let in an awful lot last season so we need to keep the ball out of the net and take a few of our chances."

At Edgar Street, Vics more than matched the home side for an hour and, although they were forced to defend for much of the final 30 minutes, fully deserved a share of the points.

Mark Devlin almost opened the scoring when he ran 25 yards with the ball, beat two defenders, but could only find the side netting.

Colin Rose then picked up the ball on the edge of the box and his rasping shot produced a spectacular save from Scott Cooksey.

Devlin almost contrived to throw the good work away when he hit a weak back pass which put Michael McIndoe clear, but Key did well to save with his legs. Jamie Bates then did exactly the same thing but once again Hereford failed to capitalise.

Most of Hereford's efforts were being thwarted by Steve Davis and John Robertson and Vics were looking the most likely to score.

But Hereford eventually came closest to scoring on the stroke of half-time when McIndoe touched a free-kick to Chris Lane, whose thunderous shot hit the inside of the post.

In the second half, Richard Norris shot inches wide with Cooksey beaten, following a delightful move, then only a desperate last ditch tackle on Darren Vicary by Clarke prevented the Vics winger a clear run on goal.

The home side finally began to take control and skipper Ian Wright was left clear on goal, but yet again Key came to the rescue when he saved with his legs. Davis blocked the subsequent shot from the rebound and then John Snape followed up to shoot high over the bar.

Vics almost snatched the winner in the 83rd minute when Devlin broke down the left and floated a cross into the box which Gary Fletcher met eight yards out but headed inches over the bar.

Gardiner's side will take the confidence gained from the weekend results to Hednesford Town on Saturday, before Doncaster Rovers go to the Drill Field on Tuesday (7.45pm).

The manager is set to continue his attacking formation of a front three, with one central striker flanked by two wide attackers, likely to be Vicary and Fletcher.

Ged Kimmins made up the trio on Monday, although Ian Cooke, struck down by food poisoning on Sunday, and Adie Mike (hamstring) could contest his position.

"Because I'm playing three in the middle of midfield doesn't mean I'm not attacking, because I'm playing a front three rather than a front two," said Gardiner.

"We're not going to places to grind out points, we have been making opportunities and it's up to us to take them when we get them."

Mark Bailey will also miss the trip to Hednesford, serving a suspension for his opening day red card.Vics: Key, Bailey, Bates, Robertson, Davis, Devlin, Norris, Rose, Kimmins (Burke 88), Fletcher, Vicary (Poland 76). Not used: Simpson, Holcroft, Ellis.

Referee: S Tanner (Bristol). Bookings: Robertson (Vics); Clarke (Hereford).

Attendance: 2,461

Man of the Match: Steve Davis.

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