Badgers battle out draw in Runcorn

Saturday 9th August

Capelli Sport Midland Football League Premier Division

Northwich Victoria 2 Brocton 2

Brocton began their league campaign with a visit to Northwich Victoria at their new home of The Apec Taxis Stadium, Following last week’s FA Cup defeat Tom Vaughan returned in the centre of defence with Cam Osborne starting. There was a place on the replacements bench for former Stafford Rangers midfielder Levi Reid. Vics had recruited well in the summer and looked a strong outfit.

Brocton were the first to show with Connor Haddaway firing over after just 25 seconds. A cross from the right from Ryan Atkinson was dealt with by Kenny Devoir. The start of the game was very cagey with neither side gaining any traction. In the 14th minute, a cross from Atkinson drifted just past the back post. An excellent cross from Jake Danan didn’t create an opening while a cross from former Stafford Rangers striker Ajay Leitch-Smith was palmed away by Kyle Langston. Northwich took the lead in the 29th minute. A long ball forward saw Langston race off his line. The ball ran away from him, and he lost possession to Leitch-Smith who picked his spot and chipped the Brocton keeper who backpedalled but couldn’t keep the ball out of the net. With Northwich still celebrating, Brocton struck back. Morgan Payne picked up a loose ball some 25 yards from goal and hit a stunning shot past the stranded Andre Mendes and into the net. Northwich responded immediately with Will Lloyd racing through on goal and Langston pulling off an excellent save. Jefferson Abreu, becoming increasingly influential as the game progressed, was next to test Langston but the young keeper was up to the task. Brocton took the lead in the 37th minute. A corner from Connor Haddaway was headed back into the penalty area by Ben Haddaway and Payne was on hand to supply the deft finish. Back came Northwich and Abreu thought he had equalised, but his close range header was brilliantly saved at point blank range by Langston. In stoppage time, Connor Haddaway was fouled on the edge of the box. Up stepped Reg Smith, on for the injured Jude King. His free kick was parried by Mendes, Payne reacted quickly to get to the ball with Max Sutton clearing off the line.

Half-Time: Northwich Victoria 1 Brocton 2

Brocton started the second half well. Reg Smith found Osborne and a tight turn from the midfielder saw the ball ricocheted behind for a corner. Northwich were level in the 55th minute. Leitch-Smith created space, and his shot was half-stopped by Langston, Abreu reacted quickest to force the ball home. Northwich were now on the front foot and a long throw from Adrian Kandeke was headed over the bar by the experienced Harry Davis. Abreu was again on target with a shot, but Langston saved comfortably. Brocton went close in the 70th minute with a chance created by the two young substitutes. Toby Smith ran down the left and played the ball into the area. This was met by Dylan Millington, and his shot was deflected for a corner. Millington again went close in the 79th minute. Picked out by Reg Smith, he beat his defender and hit his shot, but a defender managed to get their body in the way for a corner. A minute later, a cross from Reg Smith was met by the head of Ben Haddaway and he forced an excellent save from Mendes with Toby Smith lurking at the back post for a tap in. Both sides continued to push for the win but ultimately, they had to settle for a hard earned point.

Full-Time: Northwich Victoria 2 Brocton 2 Attendance:138

Northwich Victoria: Andre Mendes, Adrian Kandeke, Max Sutton, Matty Clarke, Harry Davis, Matt Harrison, Ryan Atkinson (Ben Crane 67), Tom Mahoney (James Potter 76), Ajay Leitch-Smith (Sam Deering 78), Will Lloyd, Jefferson Abreu. Subs (Not Used): Peter Morgan, Jacai Blerti

Brocton: Kyle Langston, Jake Danan, Cooper Marsh, Kenny Devoir, Tom Vaughan, Ben Haddaway, Cam Osborne (Toby Smith 67), Jake Thomas (Levi Reid 74), Jude King (Reg Smith 32), Connor Haddaway, Morgan Payne (Dylan Millington 67). Sub (Not Used): Jack Sandel

Yellow Cards: Clarke, Davis (Northwich Victoria)