Peter Wilson reports on VICS win against Droylsden:

?Mark Sale turned from villain to hero with a late header that sealed the points to enable Steve Burr's men to re-establish their credentials for promotion.
? In truth it was more a case of the ends justifying the means as Vics stuck to their task determinately nough to finally register a victory against rugged opponents who had done their best to deny them.
? Frankly, an early run by Roca which ended with him striking the woodwork only flattered to deceive and much of the first half only illustrated the recent impotence of a usually productive Vics strike force that has unpredictably struggled in recent games. And it was the visitors who ought to have opened the scoring shortly before the break when Fitzpatrick was allowed far too much time and space on the right to deliver a cross that required only the elementary of finishes that thankfully proved beyond the capability of the much vaunted Terry Fearns. In response the normally reliable Brayson shot wide when well placed and then Mayman was unable to take advantage of another good position.
? Just as in the Boxing Day encounter Droylesden showed themselves capable of taking advantage of their opponents short comings by grabbing a 52nd minute lead. McCarthy lost out to Fitzpatrick on the right and he was able to take advantage and deliver a precision cross to the far post for DENHAM to guide his finish beyond the despairing Rogers. That this would prove to be a fruitless Christmas that could leave the Vics outside the leading pair became an all too distinct possibility. Substitute Michael Byrne provided a much needed lift with a shot that was deflected wide and then Allan and Brayson lifted shots wide as at last the Vics began to assert? some authority on the game, But it was left to the two substitutes to finally salvage maximum points from a difficult game, Firstly BYRNE collected the rebound from a blocked attempt to move forward and score with a precision shot from over 20 yards. Sensing for the first time the opportunity of a win Battersby drove forward to have a shot saved before fellow substitute SALE grabbed all three points with a late header from a right wing cross.?
? Such had been the Vics players commitment to the cause that few could have denied them their just reward but Droylesden again provided the very real evidence that winning promotion from this league is far from a foregone conclusion and will require a vast amount of similar hard work.

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