Histon 1 (Murray 37) 

Northwich Victoria 2 (Carr 47 and Brayson 70)

VICS progressed into the last eight of the FA Trophy with a workmanlike performance at Histon on Saturday and in may ways the home side can feel very unlucky to have been knocked out of the competition.

Manager Steve Burr elected to go with a 3-51 formation, welcoming Danny Mayman back into the fold with Townson starting the game up front alongside Brayson.

However, it was the home team who started the game best and they very quickly assumed the initiative. Very early on in the piece John Kennedy shot very narrowly wide from a good position and a couple of minutes later centre back Langstone headed just wide from a free kick with Connett well beaten. Continuous pressure in the opening 15 minutes saw the home side again go close when following an excellent move down the left Jamie Barker saw his shot go agonisingly wide of the post.

It was only in the 15^th minute when VICS finally put their first move together as Brayson, Mayman and Townson combined well to create a chance for Beaumont but his shot was well saved by Lance key in the Histon goal.

Although VICS had been second best in the game so far they very nearly took the lead following an all-too-familiar scenario for older VICS fans that remember the exploits of Lance Key our former keeper! As Lance attempted a clearance he only succeeded in slicing the ball wide and as Brayson collected the ball he squared it to Townson but his fellow striker failed to take the opportunity.

Then at the other end Connet made a great save at the near post as he managed to keep out a good effort from Barker who was creating real problems for the VICS defence. Then after 35 minutes Mathew Haniker curled a brilliant free kick that bounced on top of the bar with Connett beaten and it seemed only a matter of time before the first goal would arrive. Two minutes later and the goal did arrive courtesy of Antonio MURRAY who tapped home from close range following good work by Neil Kennedy. So half time arrived with Histon deservedly leading one-nil.

It seemed as though Burr had to make changes and this he did for the restart by introducing Carr for Beaumont and the popular VICS midfielder immediately put his mark on the game with his constant work rate and enthusiasm. Indeed within 2 minutes of the half CARR had levelled matters when his persistence in the box finished with his shot being deflected into goal.

This lifted VICS but still Histon came forward to consistently trouble the VICS defenders and it needed a good save by Connett from Murray to keep the score level.

Then in the 70^th minute Charnock won the ball well in defence and then worked the ball well with Carr before the latter put the ball through to an on-rushing BRAYSON who cleverly lobbed the keeper, ran on and tapped home from 6 yards to put VICS in front with a great goal.

After 84 minutes McCarthy replaced Smart and a minute later the hard-working Carr set up Brayson again but as the striker was at a narrow angle he tried to set the ball up for his strike partner – Townson but defender Adrian Cambridge handled the ball in front of goal. Townson’s weak spot kick was easily saved and the woes of our penalty takers for this season continued!

In the 90^th minute Roca replaced Townson and then right at the end of the game Connett prevented a replay with the save of the game as he tipped a strong header from Barker over the bar.

VICS: Connett; Griffiths; Charnock; Elliott; Mayman; Beaumont; Battersby; Barwick; Smart; Brayson and Townson

Subs: Senior; McCarthy; Roca; Carr and Brown

Attendance: 717

Man of the Match: Stuart Elliott