Kettering Town 2 Northwich Vics 1
VICS came close to forgetting their off-field troubles with a spirited performance on Saturday.
They were worthy of a point, possibly all three, as they matched title chasers Kettering attack for attack.
Alas, it was not goal for goal as well and they remain bottom with growing relegation problems.
None of the five players transfer listed and then told they were still wanted after the club’s suspension of manager Dino Maamria made it to the starting line-up.
Joel Byrom – arguably Maamria’s best signing – put Northwich in front with a delicious 52nd-minute 25-yarder. The midfielder also went close with two other long-range efforts in the second half.
But Vics were pegged back on 71 minutes when Chris Beardsley slipped home a short pass from Jean-Paul Marna from six yards. And they were beaten – again – by a late goal. Craig Westcarr volleyed home Lee Harper’s long ball from his own half in the 88th minute.
Overall, Vics edged the possession and numbered at least as many good chances as the Poppies.
Mike Welch had two efforts blocked, while Jonny Allan and Aaron Burns had half-chances and only needed a better sight of goal, while Mike Byrne and Matt Crowell tried their luck from distance.
Harper had to make saves and so too did Scott Tynan.
Vics: Tynan, Aspin, Welch (Stamp 83), Roberts , Grand, Mullan, Crowell, Byrom, Byrne, Allan, Burns.
