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Written by Peter Wilson
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Tuesday, 27 November 2007 |
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VICS 1 V 0 Rushden & Diamonds
IT'S been a long, long time coming.
Poor Rushden claimed the prize coveted by no-one as they become the first side to lose to Vics this season.
But it was an outcome few could dispute.
Lee Steele's sole strike doubled the hosts' points tally for the term and, with scoring opportunities at an absolute premium, Dino Maamria will be delighted his star striker snapped up the chance.
It wasn't pretty but nobody cared.
Luke Horrocks' cross slithered out of Paul Nicholls' grasp as he crashed into Vics newboy Lucas Akins and Steele steered the loose ball into an unguarded net.
Not since September's trip to Farsley had Northwich led a league game at the break. They did today and deserved it.
The visitors fluffed their one chance.
Leading goal-getter Simeon Jackson swivelled in the six-yard box when Marcus Kelly's set piece sat up in front of him but blazed wildy over the bar when it seemed easier to score.
Before that Jon Challinor's scuffed shot had been their only threat.
Vics crafted little at the other end but Akins was an annoyance to the Rushden rearguard with his awkward style - combining strength and a turn of speed to impressive effect.
Curtis Woodhouse headed over to end the opening period's attacking notes but the move - a patient 20-pass portrait - deserved a better final flourish.
The hosts should have added to their tally after the interval.
Greg Strong's header hit the bar before Steele's shot was deflected away from danger and then Welch forced Nicholls into action from Ryan Brown's corner.
Horrocks then made a mess of Vics' best chance.
Akins combined with Danny Williams and his throughball sent the former Woodley Sports wideman clear only for wild finish to spoil the approach play.
Williams' wasteful crossing did not make the most of two promising counters after that before Rushden finally came to life with the introduction of Lee Tomlin.
The striker teed off a personal battle with Scott Tynan by fizzing in a low shot that the keeper stoped smartly low to his right. The pair were protagonists again within a minute, this time a 25-yard snapshot ending with the same result.
That was the entirety of Diamonds rescue bid.
Vics were just happy to win a league tussle for the first time since April.
Attendance: 601
Man of the Match: Lee Steele
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 05 March 2008 )
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