Michael Carr almost benifited from a Brayson mishit shot but he was unable to capitalise before an error by Brown left the home side with the opportunity to set up Clare but he was also unable to make the most of his opportunity. Vics looked reasonably comfortable when in possession until they reached the final quarter of the pitch where Townson, arguably and surprisingly preferred to Allan, again failed to impress when asked to hold the ball up. And it was from just such a situation that Burton launched a long ball forward that was ineffectively cleared to allow HALL the opportunity to fire a shot at goal that rebounded off the inside of one post before striking the opposing upright to eventually settle into the back of the net. Despite continued efforts from Vics to get back into the game they continued to lack the physical presence to make a real impact up front. Yet, on the stroke of half time,  Brayson almost  contrived an equaliser but Carr was centimetres away from converting his astute left wing cross. As is often the case at this level they were made to pay an immediate penalty when Burton broke and scored a second. Once again possession was all too easily ceded from a potentially threatening attack and on this occassion Webster was able to take full adavantage to set up CLARE who executed a trademark finish.
If a two goal deficit appeared harsh for their initialt efforts, then the second period provided a far harsher lesson.

The second period was, in truth, virtual one way traffic with Vics dominating possession and creating the only worthwhile chances.
The introduction of Allan for Townson at half time certainly had a positive effect. Brayson cut inside to force a save at the foot of the post and then Austin managed to get back to clear an Allan header from the goal line. Allan then worked an opening for Carr but he shot narrowly wide as Vics searched for that vital break that may have bought them back into the game. And that catalyst ought to have materialised when they broke skillfully only to see a Byrne shot strike the bar with the keeper comprehensively beaten. Although Harrad broke to have his shot saved by Senior it increasingly became clear that it was not to be Vics' day, especially when Battersby had a late shot palmed out before an Elliott piledriver was eventually kept out only for Carr to follow up and shoot wide.

Vics: 4-41
Senior  /
McCarthy (Barwick 86), Payne, Charnock, Brown  /
Mayman (Battersby 67), Carr, Elliott, Byrne  /
Townson (Allan h/t), Brayson  /
Connett & Griffiths
Referee: D.J. Cann
Attend: 1,817 (Vics fans 209)
Man of the Match: Ryan Brown

Pete Wilson