WELLING 2

SUPPORTERS anticipating the customary high-scoring game between the two teams at Park View Road were not disappointed on Saturday.

But, by comparison to last season, when Vics scored six in two games to record a double over Welling, the goals were spread much more evenly.

Twice Northwich took the lead only for the home side to claw back an equaliser. In the end it was the trusty left foot of Steve Walters, returning ahead of schedule from injury, which ensured Northwich the three points they so richly deserved.

That it came with just 12 minutes left on the clock merely added to the tension and excitement.

Vics should have taken the lead as early as the fifth minute when Mark Devlin won the ball in midfield and played a precision pass to the unmarked Darren Vicary on the left edge of the box.

The winger, who ran the home defence ragged all afternoon, saw his powerful shot go inches wide of the post with the 'keeper beaten.

It was a free-flowing game. And seconds after a teasing cross from Welling's Kevin Dennis had eluded everybody Vics, surged down field. Chris Duffy's cross was headed powerfully goalwards by Tait but an acrobatic save from Glen Knight denied Northwich a goal.

Welling were again indebted to Knight shortly after when he stopped a fierce Vicary effort from 25 yards.

Knight was beaten on 19 minutes though, when Walters picked up a loose ball in the box and fired into the roof of the net. However, the referee adjudged the incoming Tait offside.

The tall striker made amends nine minutes before the interval. He found space wide on the left, dashed into the box, beating Farley in the process before pulling the ball back across goal for Ian Cooke to drive the ball into the net.

In a lively opening to the second half Welling got themselves back into the game. On 51 minutes full back Tony Dolby curled a 20 yard free kick around the Vics wall and beyond the reach of Dean Greygoose.

But the home faithful had hardly finished celebrating when Stuart Terry rifled Northwich back into the lead. From the restart Vicary was released down the left.

His deep cross was met by Terry at the far post, who coolly slotted home. The goal left Northwich brimming with confidence but, as they looked ready to add to their lead, the home side's Dolby struck for a second time.

It came via the penalty spot in the 68th minutes after Dominic Crookes fouled Adams in the area.

Not to be denied, the visitors responded in impressive fashion and, once again, captain Walters was at the centre of the drama.

In the 78th minute he earned an indirect free kick when a defender's high challenge left Vics' brave captain nursing a blow to the face.

From the kick Terry rolled the ball into the path of Walters, who lashed the ball through a crowd of players and into the corner of the net.

Welling failed to strike back on this occasion, the frustration resulting in Darren Adams being sent off after he stamped on the Northwich captain.

Indeed, Vics could have added to their lead, substitute Neil Illman heading over from five yards.

A major plus for manager Mark Gardiner must be the form of Mark Devlin, who showed enough quality to suggest he will become an integral part of the team when fully fit.

Welling: Knight, Watts, Dolby, Brown, Skiverton, Farley (Powell 56), Trebble (Linger 78), Rutherford, Adams, Browne, Dennis; Not used: Ugball.

Vics: Greygoose 7; Duffy 8, Birch 8, Crookes 7, Robertson 7; Devlin 7, Terry 7, Walters 8 (Webster 83), Vicary 9; Cooke 8 (Illman 79), Tait 8; Not used: Simpson.

Bkd: Robertson, Devlin; Adams (sent-off). Ref: R Beeby (Northampton); Att: 500. MoM: Darren Vicary

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