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Written by Peter Wilson
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Sunday, 28 October 2007 |
Saturday 27th October 2007
FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round
Southport 1 (Dugdale 90)
Vics 3 (Lee o.g 14 Townson 58 Tait 81)
A potential banana skin and embarassing exit from the FA Cup was avoided by a combination of hard work that was later complemented by a visible growth in confidence that led to a pleasing late show of the kind of quality that we have been denied of so far this season.
Scott Tynan has to be given great credit for this change in fortune. Southport came out clearly confident that they would claim a Conference scalp. Yet he was helpless when a shot from Gray in the opening minute struck the bar after Blakeman had headed into his path from across the goal area. Tynan claimed two important crosses before Robinson cut inside to pull back for Gray to shoot wide when he ought to have done better. Despite being under early intense pressure, it was Vics who took the lead when a 25 yard Townson free kick was headed into his own net by LEE with the kind of precision that his team mates had lacked at the opposite end. Moments later an error from Battersby leaving Gray free on goal was recovered by a Tynan parry and from the rebound Gray lifted his shot high over the bar. A very rash challenge by Battersby on Blakeman allowed Duffy the opportunity to break clear on goal and when he was scythed down inside the box by Strong a penalty was the only rashionable decision. That neither Battersby or Strong did not receive cards of one or the other colour was surprising. Nevertheless Southport had the opportunity to level but Tynan again proved equal to the task and saved the spot kick from Gray.The Vics keeper then saved from Duffy to protect his teams slender lead and gradually the home side began to run out of self belief.
And it was Vics that began to grow in confidence and inspirational skipper Michael Carr almost set up Tait with a slide rule pass that only a calculated surge from his line by keeper Smith denied a second goal. Tynan again kept Vics in front with two quality saves from Powell and Gray. Yet there was a growing feeling that the tide had turned and when TOWNSON took advantage of indecision in the home defence to score with a clinical finish from the edge of the box the writing was clearly on the wall.
Enjoying being on top for the first time away from the Victoria Stadium this season, the players began to express themselves in a manner that we had hoped to see for some time. Chris Williams and then Townson forced Smith into quality saves before Danny Williams moved down the right and slid the ball to the near post for TAIT to guide the ball home, a goal that must have given him as much personal satisfaction as that of the impressive following of ardent Vics fans.
Tynan once again showed his prowess with another save to deny Robinson before Josh Wilson, who continues to improve and impress, made a goal line clearance to deny Gray. But quite frankly a potentially difficult game had been won by then, and deservedly won, and although substitute DUGDALE scored a late consolation the Vics had earned their right to a first round place.
Team: 4-4-2
Tynan /
Battersby (Maamria 90), Wilson, Strong (Welch 29), Brown /
D. Williams, Rusk, Carr, C. Williams /
Tait, Townson (Maylett 84) /
Subs not used: Connett & Johnson
Referee: R. Fletcher
Bookings: Battersby, Strong, Weelch (Vics) Duffy (Southport)
Attend: 1,232
Man of the Match: Scott Tynan
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 04 November 2007 )
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