Report by NICK SMITH

MANAGER Mark Gardiner has expressed his disappointment at Northwich Vics' FA Cup exit.

Victory over Hednesford Town would have given Northwich a first round trip to Ryman Premier League side Aldershot Town and the chance of a money-spinning cup run.

But after a series of wasted chances at home on Saturday, a 2-2 draw was followed by a 1-0 defeat to their Conference rivals in Monday night's replay.

Gardiner said: "Everyone's very disappointed because we knew what the next tie would be, and we would have fancied ourselves to win.

"Last night (Monday) was our big chance, but we should have won it on Saturday. We had chances to put ourselves clear and if we had finished those the game would have been over.

"The best chance to win it is always at home and I thought when we went 1-0 up that would be enough, but we were sloppy and gave goals away.

"In the replay, we lost to the better team. We only had a go at them late on, but we only came to life when they scored."

Veteran former Liverpool and Zimbabwe goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, as arranged, made way for Lance Key for the replay after his one-off appearance in the first game.

After the match, Grobbelaar said: "The fans were great and so were the Northwich players. I was delighted to help the club out for one match, and I wish them all the best."

Vics return to Nationwide Conference action on Saturday to face Stevenage Borough at the Drill Field (3pm).

The Saturday of the FA Cup first round, October 30, is likely to be filled with a league game against another side with a free day.

VICS have been drawn against Cheshire opposition in two competitions when they resume their quest for cup glory next month.

Altrincham will be the visitors to the Drill Field in the second round of the Nationwide MacMillan Trophy, formerly known as the League Cup, on Tuesday, November 9, 7.45pm kick-off.

On Saturday, November 27, Vics begin their interest in the FA Umbro Trophy with a short trip across to Runcorn.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.