Aldershot Town 1 Northwich Victoria 3

Last updated : 16 September 2006 By Footymad Previewer
Northwich produced a performance worthy of their regal name to stun Aldershot at the Recreation Ground and end their six-game unbeaten run.

This time it was the Shots who were shell-shocked as Northwich outgunned them in every department.

In the opening quarter Northwich matched the in-form Aldershot play for play. Manager Steve Burr asked for a reaction from his struggling side after the St Albans debacle and his players responded.

With four changes to the side, including three in their defence, the Shots found little space anywhere across the field.

However, the Vics were unfazed and showed why they have a strong away record. The crowd became restless and suddenly the shots seem ordinary.

While the Vics were stronger in the first half, they did not heed Steve Burr's insistence, that they "take their early chances."

Northwich could have gone ahead as early as the third minute. Stuart Elliot slotted Paul Brayson from the edge of the area; he fired across the face of the goal with more space and time that he realised.

Aldershot responded three minutes later. Phil Anderson, who is growing in confidence, delivered an excellent shot from the left that just evaded the runs of John Grant and Louis Soares. Unfortunately, he was just over the bar.

Northwich had a great move after 12 minutes. Danny Mayman played Paul Brayson in down the right, he found Stuart Elliott who drove 40 yards to the left winger Michael Byrne who matched the quality of the pass, with his turning shot on the edge of the area.

The shot was open on his left foot, but as on previous occasions he lacked the confidence to shoot.

In the 16th minute Northwich produced an excellent short corner. Danny Mayman found a tenacious Jon McCarthy. He crossed from 12 yards, but shooting seemed a better option.

Paul Brayson, the Vics' top scorer' was causing the Shots' defence real problems and went close in quick succession after 23 minutes, on both occasions greater accuracy would have added to his tally.

Moment later Louis Soares went on a run reminiscent of his goal against Stevenage. This time he squared to Ryan Williams on the edge of the box. He controlled and flashed inches wide of the right-hand post.

On the half hour mark Aldershot had a good shout for a penalty turn down. Kieran Charnock tugged at Soares inside the box, referee Malone saw the incident but mysteriously waved play on.

Northwich deservedly took the lead in the 45th minute. Ryan Brown found Michael Byrne marked on the edge of the area. Unmarked he turned and found the bottom right- hand corner.

Terry Brown, expecting an immediate response, got one, but the Vics provided it.

In the 49th min Michael Carr unchallenged found Paul Brayson 18 yards out, and he calmly slotted into the far right corner.

Three minutes later Northwich confirmed their superiority. McCarthy made a vital interception inside his area. From Joel Grant, Northwich went up the other end and Danny Mayman delivered superbly to Johnny Allan, who buried his header inside the left post.

Northwich were excellent value for their lead. Aldershot did offer some resistance and were awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute when Kieran Charnock upended John Grant. Ryan Williams' spot-kick was saved by Phil Senior, but he tapped in the rebound off the post.

Shots missed some gilt edge chances, but with the crowd and Northwich on their backs they failed to get their passing game going, bring their unbeaten home record to an end, and extending Nortwich's exemplary away record to three win and one loss.