Northwich Vics 2 Grays Athletic 0
TWO late goals gave battling Vics a priceless victory against fellow strugglers Grays at a sparsely-attended Marston’s Arena on Saturday.
Vics’ lowest crowd of the season witnessed a dismal affair but the vast majority of the 579-strong gate went home happy as the hosts’ second-half display earned three points.
Mike Marsh – still in temporary charge of the Greens while circumstances surrounding boss Dino Maamria’s suspension are investigated – made three substitutions after half-time and two of them were matchwinners.
Much-travelled Jamaican international Trevor Benjamin, who signed last Friday, replaced Aaron Burns and it was from a free kick he had won that Vics took the lead.
Matty Crowell smashed the ball home past Grays keeper David Button thanks in part to a deflection.
Never comfortable with just a single-goal lead, Vics needed another and they got it with just seven minutes remaining when Benjamin was fouled on the edge of the box.
Joel Byrom clipped in a cross which was met at the far post by substitute Darryn Stamp who made no mistake with a diving header to seal the points for Vics.
Vics: Tynan, Aspin, Brown, Roberts, Grand, Mullan (Stamp 66), Crowell, Byrom, Byrne (Flynn 46), Allan, Burns (Benjamin 55).
Subs not used: Jones, Welch.
Attendance: 579.
Match rating: 2/5.
Northwich Vics 1 Kidderminster Harriers 1
BATTLING Vics fought back from a goal down to secure a well-deserved last Tuesday night
The high flying Harriers took the lead shortly after the break when Brian Smikle met Martin Brittain’s low cross to score from close range.
Vics continued to pressure the Harriers defence without much success until the 80th minute when Ryan Brown struck a superb finish past visiting keeper Bartlett.
Vics: Tynan; Aspin, Roberts, Brown, Grand; Crowell, Byrom (Stamp 66), Mullan (Flynn 75); Byrne, Burns, Allan. Unused subs: Jones, Welch, Bailey.
Attendance: 725.
