In the Heart of Cheshire

NORTHWICH VICTORIA FOOTBALL CLUB

I'm going to be attempting Dafuge's Challenge this year with Northwich Victoria. It was a slightly strange mix of teams that came up, Northwich went into the BSN alongside Stafford Rangers and Cambridge City, so no sign whatsoever of the likes of Chester or FC United.

In the BSS, Carshalton Athletic, Harrow Borough and St Albans City were the three promoted.

This is the league for the coming season. We will also be in the FA Cup and FA Trophy

Blue Square North 2012-13

We open our campaign on Sat 11th Aug at Hyde FC, and our first home game is Tue 14th Aug against fellow newly promoted side Stafford Rangers. We finish the season with consecutive away trips to Gainsborough and Hinckley.

Wish me luck!

Summer Dealings Season 2012/13:

In:

Stephen Wainwright (DR) - Tranmere (free)

Karl Cunningham (MC) - Lincoln (free)

Earl Davis (DC) - Southport (free)

Danny Boshell (MC) - Guiseley (free)

Matt Somner (DM) - Lewes (free)

Matt Cafer (GK) - Yeovil (free)

Mike Symons (ST) - Worcester (free)

Out:

Steve Abbott (ST) - Woking (free)

Adam Sumner (DL) - Released

Graeme Law (DR) - Released

Kyle Armstrong (MC) - Released

Ian Kearney (DC) - Released

Tony Evans (ST) - Released

Ryan Wade (ST) - Released

David Fitzpatrick (MC) - Released

Paul Ennis (ML) - Released

Squad for upcoming Season

Pre-Season Results:

Northwich Reserves (H) Won 6-3 (Merella, Cobb, McGivern (3, 2 pens), Bridges)

Port Vale (L2 - H) Lost 3-2 (OG, Bridges)

Southport (BSN - H) Won 3-1 (Riley, Wainwright, Millwood)

Worksop Town (NPP - A) Drew 3-3 (Woolfe, Cunningham (2))

Leyton Orient (L1 - H) Lost 2-0

Solihull Moors (BSN - A) Won 3-1 (McGivern, Collins, Clarke)

Shrewsbury Town (L2 - H) Drew 1-1 (Symons)

Crawley Town (L2 - H) Drew 1-1 (Merella)

Pre-Season

Friendly: Northwich Victoria 6-3 Northwich Victoria Reserves (Merella, Cobb, McGivern (3, 2 pens), Bridges)

A positive victory over the Ressies, including six goals, Three of which came from forward Leighton McGivern, who was signed by the previous manager last season.

Friendly: Northwich Victoria 2-3 Port Vale (OG, Bridges)

A good performance against a side that finished 9th in League 2 last season, going 1-0 and then 3-1 down to eventually lose 3-2, despite Scott Bridges goal giving a bit of hope.

Friendly: Northwich Victoria 3-1 Southport (Riley, Wainwright, Millwood)

Two of the BSN's new boys clashed in this friendly - Southport, relegated from the BSP last season visited Northwich, promoted from the Northern Premier League. It was the Vics who came out on top, and to rub salt into Southport's wounds, they were captained by defender Earl Davis, who played 22 games for the Sandgrounders last season.

Friendly: Worksop Town 3-3 Northwich Victoria (Woolfe, Cunningham (2)

These two were Northern Premier rivals last season until Vics' promotion, but it took two late Karl Cunningham strikes to earn the BSN side a draw at Sandy Lane

Friendly: Northwich Victoria 0-2 Leyton Orient

The O's struggled in League 1 last season, finishing 17th, but two Osayemen Osawe strikes were enough to earn victory on a pre-season trip to Cheshire.

Friendly: Solihull Moors 1-3 Northwich Victoria (McGivern, Collins, Clarke)

Another battle of two BSN sides, Moors took the lead in the first half, but Vics won the second and comfortably came through 3-1

Friendly: Northwich Victoria 1-1 Shrewsbury Town (Symons)

A very credible draw against a Football League side two week before the season starts, Tom Bradshaw giving the Shrews the lead but new signing Mike Symons earning a draw.

Friendly: Northwich Victoria 1-1 Crawley Town (Merella)

Another L2 opponent, another impressive 1-1 draw. This time, Vics took the lead through Dominic Merella, only for Crawley to earn a draw through a Ronnel Dennis strike. Onto the season proper!

Player of the Month: Leighton McGivern Scored 8 goals in 19 games last season to fire Vics to promotion, this year he's made a great start in pre-season, and will play a key part in what should hopefully be a promotion challenge.

August 2012:

League: Hyde 4-1 Northwich Victoria (Bridges)

All the good work of pre-season seemed to head straight out of an open window when Vics travelled to Ewen Fields on the opening day. Hyde scored after just 5 minutes and never looked back, even Scott Bridges goal on the stroke of half time didn't alter their stride, and to make it even worse for Vics, midfielder Matt Somner was shown a second yellow card for the foul that led to the penalty for Hyde's fourth goal

League: Northwich Victoria 3-1 Stafford Rangers (Woolfe, Riley, Bridges)

Much better, and the whole team looked a lot more comfortable at home, even in a derby game. The referee was less impressive, making a ridiculous decision to award Stafford a penalty after a great tackle from Jamie Grimes, which they scored. Vics never gave up though, and eventually won through thanks to goals from Nathan Woolfe, Wayne Riley and Scott Bridges.

League: Stalybridge Celtic 3-2 Northwich Victoria (McGivern, Merella)

Another poor away performance at Bower Fold, Celtic scoring early and Vics not really having any reply, despite going into half time level after Leighton McGivern's strike. The next time Vics got close to Celtic's goal, they also scored, but by the time that happened, it was far too late and was a simple consolation from Dominic Merella.

League: Northwich Victoria 3-1 Worcester City (McGivern, Symons, Riley)

Back at the Victoria Stadium, and another nice comfortable victory. If only we could play here every week! Leighton McGivern opened the scoring after a great move just before half time, and then provided the cross for former Worcester man Mike Symons to make it two. Wayne Riley's clever finish made it 3-0 at the close before a goalkeeping error robbed us of a clean sheet but it made very little difference in the end.

League Table

Player of the Month: Another award for star striker Leighton McGivern who played a big part in both wins in August, even doing his best to earn us a result from the ill-fated trip to Stalybridge.

September 2012

League: Eastwood Town 1-0 Northwich Victoria

A competetive clash between the two sides wasn't settled until the 81st minute when an audacious effort by Jervaise Christie found the top corner of the net. A disappointing result for Vics after their best away performance of the season

League: Northwich Victoria 0-1 Cambridge City

The best away performance of the season was followed by comfortably the worst home performance, as Cambridge City came to the Victoria Stadium and took home all three points. No-one can say they didn't deserve them either, as Vics were never really in the game

League: Guiseley 0-0 Northwich Victoria

A third consecutive game without scoring, but a first point on the road, and it could have been better if Scott Bridges' late long range effort had gone the right side of the crossbar

League: Northwich Victoria 1-0 FC Halifax Town (Merella)

FC Halifax came to the Victoria Stadium in good form, but were blown apart by Vics. Northwich hit the woodwork six times, but it seemed that Halifax would hold out, until a 90th minute goalmouth scramble was smashed home by Dominic Merella

League: Southport 0-2 Northwich Victoria (McGivern, Cunningham)

Vics continued on from the FC Halifax performance on a cold Tuesday night at Haig Avenue. Leighton McGivern gave them the lead after 8 minutes, and then supplied the cross for substitute Karl Cunningham to double the lead in the second half.

FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round: Prescot Cables 2-1 Northwich Victoria (Grimes)

An absolutely shocking performance from each and every player in green and white caused us to crash out of the FA Cup at the hands of Northern Premier League D1 North side Prescot Cables. We thought we'd done enough for a replay back at the Victoria Stadiu, but that was until Cables sub Chris Irwin crashed one into the top corner in the 94th minute

League Table

Player of the Month: Jamie Grimes has been solid as a rock at centre-half during a good month for the defence, conceding only 2 goals in 5 league games

Review of the Month: After a very disappointing start, we really got ourselves going with a couple of great results over Halifax and Southport, only to let ourselves down with the FA Cup game at the end of the month

October 2012

League: Northwich Victoria 3-3 Altrincham (Bridges (2), McGivern)

Vics got off to a flying start in this derby match, Scott Bridges opening the scoring after just 2 minutes. Alty levelled through Andy Jeffrey before the ten minute mark, but Vics were straight back in front when Leighton McGivern struck after the keeper didn't hold Bridges' effort. Bridges got on the end of Grant Ward's cross to make it 3-1 before the half hour mark, and it looked like Vics would sail to victory, but Alty made them sweat; Jonathan Bathurst's header from a corner sent the game to half time at 3-2, and the only goal of the second half was an excellent effort from Dean Lodge to earn Altrincham a share of the spoils. A draw probably a fair result in a fierce, but excellent, derby match.

League: Northwich Victoria 3-0 Boston United (Bridges (2), McGivern (pen)

Boston United were no real match for Vics at the Victoria Stadium. Scott Bridges opened the scoring inside the first minute, and when Dominic Merella was tripped by Lee Canoville in the box, Leighton McGivern stepped up to make it 2-0 from the spot. Just five minutes later, Bridges struck again to make it 3-0, and effectively end the game. Boston Player/Assistant Canoville was later sent off for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity, and Boston then sacked manager Lee Sinnott following this game

League: Histon 0-3 Northwich Victoria (Bridges (2), Merella)

Vics travelled away on a Wednesday night to top of the table Histon not expecting too much, but came home with an impressive 3-0 win and all three points. Scott Bridges scored his fifth goal in three games to open the scoring, before Dom Merella doubled the lead with his head, and then Bridges made it six for the month and two goals a game for October, when he ran through onto Merella's pass to make it 3-0

League Table

Player of the Month: Not a difficult one! Scott Bridges scored two goals in each game we played in October and was the main reason we took seven points from nine during the month. Bridges scored just 8 goals in 35 games in the Northern Premier League last season, but this year in the Conference North, he already has eight goals from just ten games!

Review of the Month: A great month! A slight slip-up against Altrincham to start, but we'll put that down to it being a derby, then we took apart both struggling Boston at home, and then top of the league Histon away. Now just four points and one place off the play-offs, hopefully we can battle our way into them now.

November 2012

League: Northwich Victoria 4-2 Barrow (McGivern, Grimes, Bridges (2))

No surprises as Vics extend the winning run by comfortably beating struggling Barrow at the Victoria Stadium. Leighton McGivern gave Vics the lead after just five minutes, before a Jamie Grimes header doubled the lead, and in the second half, current BSN player of the month Scott Bridges scored twice to make it ten for the season and eight in his last four games. Barrow did have a go at a comeback, scoring twice and even had a third in the net that was disallowed for offside, but Vics had done enough to earn the win.

League: Vauxhall Motors 0-2 Northwich Victoria (Cunningham, McGivern)

Northwich came out on top in the Cheshire derby at Rivacre Park, Karl Cunningham giving them the lead after only two minutes, and former Motors forward Leighton McGivern made the points safe inside the first half

League: Northwich Victoria 2-0 Kidderminster Harriers (Bridges, Somner)

Kiddy made a promising start to the game at the Victoria Stadium, but once Scott Bridges had restored his goalscoring form by opening the scoring, Vics never looked like losing; Matt Somner doubling the lead and assuring the win just before half time with a rare goal.

League: Solihull Moors 2-2 Northwich Victoria (Bridges, Woolfe)

It was a terrible start for Vics at Damson Park when Stephen Wainwright commited a foul in the area, and Stephen Langdon converted the penalty to put Moors ahead. When Simon Johnson made it 2-0 before half time, it looked like Vics were heading for their first league defeat in ten games. It wasn't to be for Moors though, as Vics fought back, firstly Scott Bridges fired home to make a game of it, before Matt Somner's long ball found Nathan Woolfe, who coolly equalised. It could have been even better, both Bridges and McGivern had late chances to win it, but Vics were forced to settle for a well-earned point.

League: Northwich Victoria 4-1 Harrogate Town (Bridges (3), Cunningham)

A fantastic performance at the Victoria Stadium completely blew away visitors Harrogate. A stunning hat-trick from Scott Bridges, as well as a Karl Cunningham strike got four goals for Vics, earning them their eleventh straight undefeated game in the league. Former Vics legend Jonny Allan did get one back for Harrogate in front of his former supporters, but it meant nothing, as Vics win took them second in the league, albeit eleven points behind runaway leaders Histon.

League Table

Player of the Month: Again, not really a contest, Scott Bridges had another fantastic month, scoring seven goals in five games, meaning that he's now got 13 goals in his last eight games. He's now operating at a goal a game this season, having scored 15 goals in 15 games, has been BSN player of the month for both October and November and is four goals clear in the BSN Top Scorers chart.

Review of the Month: Fantastic, just fantastic! One slight slip up against Solihull, but even that we managed to turn into a point! Eleven unbeaten, BSN all-time record is twelve which we're quickly chasing down! Hopefully, we'll chase down Histon, I do think we have a chance, but we need another good month in December and they need to be in striking distance before it's too late, or we'll have to settle for the play-offs. Not counting any chickens yet though, there's an awful lot of work still to do!

December 2012

FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round: Northwich Victoria 2-0 Mossley (Millwood, McGivern)

Another fixture against a side two leagues below us, last time this happened, Prescot Cables knocked us out of the FA Cup. No such scares this time though, as defender Josh Millwood headed his first goal for the Vics to put us ahead, before Leighton McGivern made the win safe and set up a home tie with Fleetwood in the first round proper

League: Corby Town 0-2 Northwich Victoria (Merella, Bridges)

A great start to the game at Steel Park against 3rd placed Corby when Leighton McGivern played through Dominic Merella to make it 1-0. Scott Bridges scored later in the first half to seal the points, but it was a win that came at a cost, as Bridges went over on his ankle in the second half and will miss around six weeks

FA Trophy 1st Round: Northwich Victoria 2-0 Fleetwood Town (Symons, Grimes)

A brilliant win in the FA Trophy over the Blue Square Premier side Fleetwood. Scott Bridges was out injured but his replacement Mike Symons scored the opening goal when he turned home Nathan Woolfe's cross, and Woolfe's corner set up a header for Jamie Grimes to make it safe before half time. Fleetwood never really threatened, so Vics easily set up a 2nd Round Victoria Stadium encounter with Cambridge United

League: Northwich Victoria 0-1 Gainsborough Trinity

Vics needed to avoid defeat to set a new record as the BSN's longest undefeated run, but badly slipped up at home to Trinity. The only goal of the game was a tap in by Trinity forward on loan from Stockport, Cameron Darkwah, after Vics keeper Matt Cafer failed to hold an inital tame shot. The record of 12 without defeat is now shared with Boston United's 07/08 effort.

League: Droylsden 3-0 Northwich Victoria

As soon as Vics slipped up once, it all started to slip away! Well beaten at the Butchers Arms Ground, Luke Holden opened the scoring within two minutes as Vics defenders ballwatched, and then Matt Lecointe doubled the lead when he wasn't closed down after ten minutes. Matt Somner was shown his third red card off the season for serious foul play just before half time, resulting in a five match ban. Ten man Vics were never going to get back into it, and certainly not when Bloods' sub Ciaran Kilheeney made it 3-0 five minutes from time

League: Northwich Victoria 0-0 Hinckley United

A Boxing Day bore at the Victoria Stadium, at least we didn't lose, but we didn't threaten their net either!

League: Northwich Victoria 0-2 Hyde

Another defeat! We employed a completely different system in this one due to injuries, suspensions and poor form, but it didn't work and Hyde recorded their second victory over us this season, and will be one of few clubs to end up doing so.

League Table

Player of the Month: Young central defender Josh Millwood had a great month when others around him were faltering, but the month simply proved that wihout sixteen goals in sixteen game man Scott Bridges, we're a pretty poor side!

Review of the Month: A great start, beating Corby in the league and advancing through two rounds of thr Trophy, but then it all went so badly wrong! Needs to get better in January, or we'll end up in midtable, and can forget about promotion!

January 2013

League: Stafford Rangers P-P Northwich Victoria

Waterlogged pitch at Marston Road

League: Worcester City 5-1 Northwich Victoria (Merella)

Oh dear! It really doesn't get any better! Injuries and suspensions meant that we had pretty much no midfield whatsoever for this one, and we paid the price, as Worcester walked straight through the middle of the park to smash five goals past our helpless keeper!

League: Northwich Victoria 1-0 Stalybridge Celtic (Cunningham)

The team meeting did the trick! A much better performance due to much better morale, still not looking like scoring too many without Bridges, but Karl Cunningham's 20-yard strike was enough to end the losing run. Hopefully, that will be it now, and we can start looking up!

League: Northwich Victoria P-P Eastwood Town

Heavy snowfall meant no chance of football at the Victoria Stadium

FA Trophy 2nd Round: Northwich Victoria 4-1 Cambridge United (Bridges, Symons, Cunningham (2, 1 pen))

Cambridge came to the Victoria Stadium confident, but Vics used the return of Scott Bridges from injury to smash them! It was Bridges who opened the scoring, and then Cunningham played in Mike Symons to make it 2-0 to Vics at the break. The Blue Square Premier side did score after the interval, but the game was over when the referee spotted a defender holding Cunningham's shirt in the box, and the big man stepped up himself to make it 3-1, before curling a fourth into the bottom corner two minutes later. Bring on Mansfield in the last 16!

League: Cambridge City 0-1 Northwich Victoria (OG)

It was a tight fought game down in Cambridge, but Vics came out on top thanks to a comedy own goal from City defender Luke Pollard, who was otherwise excellent! That's now both Cambridge sides beaten within a week!

League: Stafford Rangers 1-1 Northwich Victoria (Bridges)

Rock bottom Stafford managed to claim a point from this re-arranged derby fixture. A defensive mix-up allowed Neville Thompson to open the scoring for Rangers, but Scott Bridges took advantage of some more not so great defending to make it level. Leighton McGivern thought he'd won it for Vics late on, but was just the wrong side of the assistant referee's flag.

League Table

Player of the Month: We were struggling until the return of Bridges, but the man who made a real difference this month was midfielder Karl Cunningham. Bridges might finish them off, but the amount of chances this man makes is simply unreal!

Review of the month: A horrific start, but picked up well, including a great win over Cambridge in the Trophy. We now sit 8th but with a game in hand, and have a great chance of making the play offs unless we suffer another terrible form dip.

February 2013

League: Northwich Victoria P-P Guiseley

More heavy snow in Cheshire meant that this home game had to be put back to later in the month

League: Northwich Victoria 1-1 Eastwood Town (Bridges)

Vics were given an early chance to take the lead, but Leighton McGivern skied his penalty kick. Not to worry though, McGivern later set up Scott Bridges to put the home side in front. The lead couldn't last though - a rare error from normally reliable keeper Matt Cafer cost us as he dropped a free kick at the feet of Aaron Mitchell, who just couldn't miss!

FA Trophy 3rd Round: Northwich Victoria 1-2 Mansfield Town (Grimes)

It was a very young Stags side sent to the Victoria Stadium for this Last 16 encounter in the FA Trophy. It was however one of the first team regulars who made the difference, Louis Briscoe lobbing Cafer to make it 1-0 early on and then rounding him to double the lead after only 14 minutes. The game seemed to be petering out to a comfortable Stags win until Nathan Woolfe's corner was headed home by Jamie Grimes, and then when Scott Bridges was fouled in the box, Leighton McGivern had a chance to earn Vics a Field Mill replay, but his shot was saved by Stags keeper Alan Marriott

League: FC Halifax Town 3-0 Northwich Victoria

Vics were quite simply torn apart at the Shay! They lasted until almost half time, but Adam Mitchell's header seconds before the break sent the Shaymen in ahead. After the break, Danny Holland doubled the lead before Mitchell made the points safe with his second goal, a quite superb individual effort.

League: Altrincham 3-6 Northwich Victoria (Merella (2), McGivern (2), Bridges, Symons)

Altrincham took an early two goal lead in this derby match at Moss Lane, forcing the Vics manager to mix it up a little and try something different! And something different they certainly tried! Dominic Merella pulled one back for Vics before the break and then took advantage of a defensive mix-up to make it 2-2. Forward Leighton McGivern then broke his goal drought to put Vics ahead for the first time before scoring again ten minutes later to make it 4-2. Scott Bridges and Mike Symons also scored late on to put the away fans in dreamland when leading 6-2, although Alty did pull one back through a late Michael Twiss penalty

League: Northwich Victoria 0-2 Guiseley

A Guiseley side full of ex-league stars came to the Victoria Stadium and took home all three points. A big turning point came in the 63rd minute after a so far even game when Matt Somner recieved a second yellow card for his fourth sending off of the season. From that point, Guiseley seized the advantage, a goalmouth scramble being turned home by Mark Bower, before Joe O'Neill made the points safe in the fourth minute of added time.

League: Northwich Victoria 8-0 Southport (Cunningham (3), McGivern (3), Grimes, Millwood)

A quite incredible game at the Victoria Stadium! Northwich decided to go for the jugular and attacked Southport from the first whistle, getting their reward in the 5th minute when Karl Cunningham smashed home. Cunningham added a second five minutes later and then played through Leighton McGivern to make it three and effectively finish the game after just 20 minutes. Jamie Grimes made it four by tapping home after McGivern's header was saved following a Nathan Woolfe corner, and then McGivern did manage to get his second when he rounded the keeper and tapped into the empty net, making it 5-0 before half time! It took a while before the goals came in the second half, but come they did eventually, McGivern completing his hat-trick in the 78th minute. 6-0 soon became 7-0 when Woolfe's corner was headed home by defender Josh Millwood, and then Karl Cunningham still had time to take advantage of a shellshocked Southport side by smashing home from the edge of the box in stoppage time to make it 8-0 and equal Vics own record for the BSN's biggest ever win, set in 2006 when we beat Hednesford Town by the same scoreline.

League Table

Player of the Month: He's been good all season, but the unseen work of left winger Nathan Woolfe was particularly phenomenal this month, and was more noticeable in a month where we scored so many goals, as he set up most of them!

Review of the Month: A Strange one! A couple of disappointing results, not beating Eastwood when we should have won, losing to Guiseley at home, not turning up against Mansfield, were offset by a couple of outstanding results, thrashing rivals Altrincham in their own back yard, and smashing an incredible eight goals past Southport!

March 2013

League: Boston United 1-2 Northwich Victoria (Bridges, Grimes)

It was a terrible start at York Street when Drewe Broughton put the Pilgrims ahead after only four minutes, but Scott Bridges levelled things before Jamie Grimes scored a second half header to take all three points back to Northwich

League: Northwich Victoria 3-1 Histon (Bridges (2), Cunningham)

Scott Bridges gave Vics the lead after only seven minutes at the Victoria Stadium, a lead which he then doubled just after half time. League leaders Histon have now looked poor on both games against Vics, but it did get a touch better for them when Dan Holman headed them a goal back, but it wasn't to last as Karl Cunningham made the points safe with 20 minutes still to play

League: Barrow 0-1 Northwich Victoria (Bridges)

A great win at Holker Street against a Barrow side who may be struggling, but had played very well in this game. Vics cause wasn't helped by the sending off of Dominic Merella for a very poor challenge, but it didn't matter in the end, as Leighton McGivern crossed for Scott Bridges to knock home an 88th minute winner to keep Vics in 3rd place.

League: Northwich Victoria 2-3 Vauxhall Motors (Cunningham, Bridges)

Vics were shellshocked to lose this Cheshire derby against a rock bottom Vauxhall side! Former Northwich man Michael Connor gave Motors the lead, but Karl Cunningham and then Scott Bridges struck to put Vics into half time ahead. David Nwaogu's strike brought Motors level on the hour mark though, and substitute Louis Hazelwood shocked the whole ground when his 87th minute effort found the bottom corner to win the game for the Ellesmere Port based side

League: Kidderminster Harriers 2-0 Northwich Victoria

It was always going to be tough to beat in-form Kidderminster at Aggborough, but Vics were never really in the game from the 10th minute when Shepherd Murombedzi's effort found the corner of Matt Cafer's goal. In the second half, Matt Somner was penalised for a push in the area, and Mike Williams gave Cafer no chance with his powerful penalty

League Table

Player of the Month: Some invaluable goals in this month, taking him up to 24 so far in a season that he's sat a lot out through injury, mean that Scott Bridges once again takes the Player of the Month award

Review of the Month: A perfect start, but we really did let ourselves down with the Vauxhall game. They really are a very poor side and we should be beating them without even thinking about it! Kidderminster was always going to be tough, so I'm not quite so disappointed with that one, but we need to pick ourselves up, starting with a home game on Easter Monday against Solihull Moors to make sure we grab a play-off place