BLUE SQUARE PREMIER - TUESDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 2007

NORTHWICH VICTORIA

0

BURTON ALBION

2

ATT: 845

CTMD view: This was as comfortable a win as you will ever see at this level. The Brewers dominated the game from start to finish and looked as though they could have scored a hatful of goals against a very poor home team.

A depleted squad was boosted by the debut of loan signing Sam Aiston, who reminds me a lot of Craig Dudley, and the return of Ryan Austin.

The central midfield partnership of McGrath and Gooding controlled the game from start to finish and the back four stood firm against what little threat Northwich offered.

With Torquay set to offer a stiffer test next week, the players can go into the game brimming with confidence and the fans should feel optimistic that a draw should be the least that is expected.

Managers view:

Nigel Clough - In an interview on the Official website, Clough said "We dominated for pretty much the 90 minutes and the performance was probably worth more than a two-nil. If we had got three or four I don't think anyone could have complained." (How he managed to talk to anyone after the game is a miracle when you consider how much shouting he did during the 90 minutes!)

Fans view:

Jason Dudley (Northwich) - Last night was totally unbelievable. Thinking that they couldn't get any worse, they did, Neil Redfearn just isn't the man for the job and the fans let themselves be heard with choruses ringing out of OUT OUT OUT. As the game went on Vics just lacked composure in front of goal but could of had 1 or 2 but were denied by on a form keeper of Kevin Poole. Redfearn tells the fans to get behind them, so we got behind a lot more in the second half and then they concede, albeit a great goal. I wasn't really impressed by Burton either. At the moment don't really look like title contenders to be honest. Not a magnificent performance but still got the job done.

Margaret Nixon (Northwich) - My own personal view is that it was difficult to break through the Burton defence. Going forward, you could tell that key players were missing but both goals were well taken. We have noted Gilroy in previous matches and weren't surprised at the quality of the goal. My partner was pleased that Aaron Webster scored, he had 25/1 on him being the first goal scorer!! but Webster should never have been allowed so much space, particularly after the previous disallowed goal.

Northwich's performance was an improvement on Saturday's loss at Farsley. Connett made a number of good saves and the new loan player Coulson showed good quality. There were good performances by Wilson when he came on in defence and Battersby was consistent and hardworking. We still don't look like a team, but there were only 6 players from last year's squad, including subs and that's a huge change to deal with.

In general, there was too much long ball, and not enough play on the floor. As Pete says below, Burton look different class, and we won't be the only team to get overrun by you this season.

The Burton fans were great and turned the tables on Vics, as Burton had their own drum, but ours was absent. Burton brought 2 coaches and the fans were vocal throughout. Vics fans got behind the lads, although at the final whistle there were some giving Neil Redfearn a hard time.