Vics 2 (Roberts 36 Brayson 56)
Crawley 1 (Okuonghae 18)

Yet again Vics proved themselves to be a mark above the average with an eventual win that elevates them to a league position that realistically reflects their abilities.
Crawley had the better of the opening exchanges and could have taken the lead had not a combination of Senior and Roberts not denied Benyon. That proved to be no more than a temporary reprieve and OKUONGHAE was able to score with a downward header that defeated Senior from 8 yards. Byrne was forced to limp from play to be replaced by Ryan Brown but Vics quickly overcame the loss of one of their most recent influential players by forging forward and Mark Roberts barely cleared the bar with a drive from the edge of the box.
Their enterprise and work ethic was suitably rewarded in the 36th minute when James Dean engineered his own time and space on the left before delivering a ball into the box for ROBERTS to gather and turn before scoring with a firm strike in between the keeper and his near post.
Carr almost added a second with a drive from 20 yards that left Hamer floundering and relieved to see the ball clear the bar.
The second half began with a rare mistake from the outstanding Mark Roberts that appeared to have let in Benyon but his attempt was intercepted by a typical piece of quality defending by Charnock. Benyon continued to be a threat and he went close from a near post header.
Griffiths replaced Roca and Carr moved into midfield and moments later Vics went ahead.
Danny Mayman, who had been outstanding in the centre of midfield, gained possession and cleverly switched play and when Carr found himself at the end of a cross with time and space at the far post he slipped a pass for BRAYSON to score from in front of goal.
Mayman again produced another quality pass to engage Brown on the left and the equally impressive wingback produced another measured cross that Dean almost converted from close range.
Brown then evidenced his value at the opposite end of play when he completed a clearance that had been initially supported by the tireless Mayman, and from which Brayson almost contrived a free run at goal but Hamer finally got the better of the contest.
Crawley made a late attempt to get back into the game and Rendell might have done better than guide a close range header wide before substitute Townson missed the best opportunity of the game that would have ensurer maximum points.
With the visitors pressing, and their keeper in the Vics half, a break left Townson with options of a 45 yard run to score, a shot at an unguarded net or the opportunity of passing to two unmarked colleagues to his left to score into an unguarded goal. In the end he chose to try and beat the one defender in the Crawley half and was finally frustratingly dispossessed.
Nevertheless Vics recorded another deserved win and especial accolades should be given to Roberts and Dean, who get better with each game, Mayman who appears to revel in the responsibilities of a more central midfield role and Ryan Brown who caught the eye with an almost immaculate left wing back cameo display.
Otherwise these observations only served to highlight another impressive team performance from which every participant should take credit.

Team: 3-5-2
Senior /
Roberts, Carr, Charnock /
Battersby,Mayman, Byrne (Brown 22mins), Roca (Griffiths 54 mins), Smart. /
Dean (Townson 77 mins), Brayson /
Subs not used: Connett & Shaw
Referee: A.S. Watts
Attend: 706
Man of the Match: Mark Roberts

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