Northwich Vics 2

WHATEVER else happens this season, nobody can take this result away from the proud Vics faithful.

They became only the second team to inflict defeat on the fully professional Rushden outfit, and at their imposing Nene stadium at that.

What must have pleased manager Phil Wilson even more was the manner of the win. Facing a 1-0 half-time deficit, the Greens rolled up their sleeves and slogged their way to a famous victory.

It was no more than they deserved after starting the game in a manner which suggested they wanted all three points. Carwyn Williams had a goal-bound shot shot blocked by McElhitton and then the same player was thwarted by a last ditch Chris Whyte tackle as he latched onto a powerful headed clearance from Wes Simpson.

Rushden rarely threatened Dean Greygoose's goal and, against a team of highly paid stars, it was Steve Walters who shined. He almost gave Vics a deserved lead midway through the first-half with a 30 yard free-kick which forced Mark Smith into a spectacular finger-tip save.

But, as the half drew to a close, the home side snatched a goal.

Predictably, it came via a set-piece which allowed the home side to impose their physical dominance.

Carel Van der Velden launched a free-kick into the Vics area from near the half-way line, Jim Rodwell nodded the ball onto Colin West and the striker made no mistake with a fierce header from 10 yards.

Once again, Vics were punished for failing to convert chances. But on this occasion the lesson was heeded, the Greens making no mistakes after the interval.

Walters pulled the strings in midfield with style and finesse. It was quite appropriate then that, when the equaliser came in the 55th minute, it was Steve Walters who claimed the plaudits. He drilled a a tremendous shot beyond Smith from 25 yards out on the left.

So impressive was Walters, his silky skills were earning generous applause from the home faithful.

There was more applause to follow, plus a few excited cheers from the Vics followers, when Stuart Terry gave the Greens the lead with 19 minutes left on the clock.

Jamie Bates received the ball from Paul Tait wide on the right before cutting inside and crossing to Williams. The striker slipped a neat ball to Terry and the winger fired a shot just inside the right-hand post.

Terry, a player Rushden tried to sign 12 months ago, was now giving the home defence a torrid time on the wing. And his was just one of a series of strong Vics performances.

In defence John Robertson was dominant in the air, cutting out Diamonds' long-ball threat, while in attack the Greens continued to create chances.

It was a rousing all-round display in which Northwich out-played the title favourites in every department. Perhaps a small section of the home crowd at The Drill Field might like to take note.

Rushden: Smith, Wooding, Rodwell, McElhatton (Mison 62), Wilson, Whyte, Brady (Hanlon 84), Van der Velden, Foster (Mehew 79), West, Underwood.

Northwich Vics: Greygoose 8, Bates 8, Birch 8, Robertson 9, Simpson 8, Owen 8, Terry 9, Walters 10, Williams 8 (Illman 82), Tait 8 (Vicary 89), Duffy 8. Not used: Crookes.

Goals: West 44; Walters 55, Terry 71; Bookings: Underwood, West; Att: 2,803; Ref: Mr P J Joslin (Newark); MoM: Steve Walters.

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