Lack-lustre TNS fall at Vics
TNS deserved little more than this 1-0 defeat at the Victoria Stadium after a lethargic display.
They might have gone in front after 16 minutes when a misheader by Jon McCarthy let in Michael Wilde, but his 16-yard effort was well saved by home keeper Kris Rogers.
It was a rare threat from the Saints as Vics dominated the opening exchanges and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 23rd minute.
McCarthy put in striker Jonny Allan who saw his shot well parried by Gerard Doherty, but as he lay prostrate in the box he somehow managed to hook the rebound back over the flailing keeper.
Doherty did well to save an effort from Michael Byrne, as TNS continued to soak up the pressure.
The arrival of Phil Baker for the out-of-form Steve Evans at the break brought some much-needed stability to the TNS rearguard and they managed to keep Vics at bay for most of the second spell.
But mis-placed passes and a poor final ball gave Saints little in the way of chances, the best created for himself by Steven Beck, who then ballooned his 63rd minute effort over the bar.
Northwich almost grabbed another at the death, when Chris Gaghan's shot was deflected off Chris King and onto the bar. |
