to the rescue

Sutton United 2

Northwich Vics 2

Nationwide Conference

Saturday, October 9

VICS are still waiting for their first away win of the season in the Conference after Saturday's trip to Sutton United ended all-square.

Returning to Gander Green Lane for the first time in eight years, Vics had high hopes of notching a victory.

And when Sutton keeper Gareth Howells punched a Stuart Terry left-wing corner into his own net, everything appeared to be going to plan.

Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession, Vics were nonetheless grateful to keeper Lance Key for two fine saves, firstly from Sutton dangerman Mark Watson and then a spectacular fingertip save to deny Richard Skelly.

Vics replied with debutant Colin West volleying narrowly over the bar and only a timely tackle by Barry Laker denied Liam Robinson a direct route to goal.

Although they finished the half on top, Vics were worried by the sight of Terry being helped off the pitch with a leg injury.

Vics opened the second half with former Luton winger David Castro-Pearson replacing Terry.

Already without several players through injury and suspension, the loss of a player who had tormented the home defence for much of the first half resulted in Vics losing their rhythm.

Consequently, Sutton were able to take advantage when, 10 minutes into the second period, Nko Ekoku turned Bates in the box and hit a powerful shot. Key did well to parry but Watson was on hand to bundle the ball into the net.

With Sutton gaining confidence, Vics boss Mark Gardiner decided to change tactics and introduced Gary Fletcher for Castro-Pearson, who himself had only come on 15 minutes earlier.

There was almost an instant pay off when Fletcher and West played a one-two, forcing Laker into a desperate backpass which keeper Howells headed into the path of Neil Ellis. Unfortunately his shot cleared the bar.

Two minutes later Laker turned from villain to hero when he headed a Jimmy Dack left wing cross beyond Key to give Sutton the lead.

The home fans were preparing to celebrate their third home victory of the season, but they hadn't reckoned on Val Owen.

Owen, who epitomises Vics' current never-say-die spirit, picked up a pass from Jamie Bates and ran at the home defence before unleashing an unstoppable shot from just outside the box into the roof of the net.

This was just reward for a player who had covered every blade of grass throughout the game.

Vics, now back on top, pressed for a win and when Steve Walters fell to the ground in the penalty area following a tackle from a home defender, a yellow card for diving was his only reward.

With four minutes remaining a John Robertson header was deflected off a defender inches over the bar.

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