Andy Mutch and Alan Wright named a completely fresh Northwich Victoria side, with no remaining players from the previous campaign.  Don't let the result through you, as this was certainly a competent display from the men who donned the yellow away strip of the trickies. Seeing some good talent on show from several trialists, Alsager eventually pipped the Vics to the finish line in a close fought contest.

Wood Park played host to this end to end encounter, witnessed by around 100 spectators.  

Town took the lead due to a inswinging cross from their wing man, which looped over trialist rookie goalkeeper Elliott Tarney.  

This didn't affect Mutch's side, whom got their heads down and began to settle on the ball, seeing some potent runs down the left flank from Joe Guest.  

The first tricky effort was by Trailists front man Odielin Koubamba, he played his low shot straight across the face of goal, only needing a touch to pull level.

Ross Lloyd had to come off due to a strain, and was replaced by Izzy Iblre.

The equaliser was hit moments later, when Ross Farran, returning for his second stint at Victoria, belted home from close yard after some fine link up play from the impressing Utility player Izzy Iblre.

Joe Guest and Koubamba formed a good relationship on the pitch and caused Alsager no end of problems, Vics were soon 2 - jeux de poker 1 to the good, when that man Iblre struck from a delightful through ball from Koubamba.

After the half time whistle, Northwich didn't take long to extend their lead when Joe Guest hit a thunderbolt into the bottom corner past the Bullets custodian, Koubamba again involved in the build up, with a lovely knock down.

It wasn't to be Northwich's day though when Alsagers Number 10, was hauled to the ground by the oncoming Tarney rushing out.  The penalty was converted.

Next a defensive mix up, saw trailists Barnett, misplace a back pass, and saw the opposing striker latch onto the ball and thread it into the back of the net.

The scoring was complete and a overturn of the goal deficit when Town's Number 10 sealed his hat trick, tapping into the goal.

Line Up

1. Elliott TARNEY

2. Ross LLOYD

3. Joe GUEST

 4. John HARDIKER (C)

5. Sam CHRISTENSEN

6. Adam SUNDERLAND

7. Adam EADEN

8. Odielin KOUBAMBA

9. Ross FARRAN

10. Ashley KELLY

11. Lee DODGSON

Subs Used

12. Izzy IBLRE

15. Dan BARNETT

16. Lee HARGREAVES

17. Clive HAMPSHIRE

18. Grant NIBLETT

19. Chris LUBBY

20. Wesley BROWN

21. Joe MIDDLETON

22. Adriano RIGOGLISIO  (Not Used)    -  

trialisits in bold.