A delve into Vics' performance against Shifnal Town prior to Highgate clash
A match of two halves, the first where Vics were punished twice for mistakes, and never really got going, the second where Vics were dominant and put the pressure on Shifnal, but just failed to get the equaliser they more than deserved.
It was fairly even for the first 10 minutes or so as the teams battled for supremacy.
Matt Farnworth for Vics had a powerful shot well blocked early on, but they were indebted to a good clearance from Blerti Jacaj when Town looked to be in on goal.
However there was nothing they could do in the 14th minute as a long throw came into the box and caused havoc and it ended up being turned into the net by Kyle Byrne at the far post.
Vics nearly responded immediately as a short corner found Joe Hurst whose shot was well saved while a Kieran Hamm header brought another good save from the Town keeper.
Shifnal were now having the better of the game and Zac Prior had to dive to his right to keep out a curling effort in the 23rd minute.
Town kept pressing but it was a Vics error which let them get their second in the 35th minute - an attempted back pass to Prior was left short, and Sam FitzGerald nipped in to slip the ball into the net.
It could have been worse for Vics just before half-time as an attempted lob nearly caught Prior out but he recovered well to make a superb save.
Vics came out more attacking at the start of the second half, but weren't threatening to get back into the match until the 58th minute when a deep free-kick was swung into the box and Will Lloyd was there to glance a header past Andrew Wycherley into the net.
This gave Vics belief, and spurred them into an onslaught on the Shifnal goal with Town hardly getting out of their own half.
Matty Clarke had a long-range effort which was deflected to safety then Jacaj rose highest at a corner but couldn't direct his header goalwards as the pressure built.
Shifnal were indebted to their keeper Wycherley for two top-class saves (and plenty of time-wasting) firstly from a Lloyd volley then a Hamm effort to keep them in front.
Time was running out though and Vics' last chance was in injury time as a low cross was turned agonisingly wide when it looked easier to score.
Match facts:
Northwich Victoria 1 Shifnal Town 2
Midland League Premier Division
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
At Barton Stadium, Winsford
Vics: Prior, Cairns, Jacaj, Gamble ( Nyamwanzi 52'), Farnworth, Hurst ( Knight C 78'), Hayder, Clarke, Lloyd, Deering ( Argent-Barnes 77'), Hamm.
Goals: Vics: Lloyd 58'. Town: Byrne 14', FitzGerald 35'
Next match: Saturday, 8th March, home v Highgate United, 3pm
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