Vics 0 - 0 Crewe (Pre Season)

NORTHWICH Victoria claimed a creditable draw with Crewe, but were grateful for their guests' profligacy in front of goal.

Dario Gradi's Railwaymen came closest to scoring throughout an absorbing encounter, but have keeper Ben Williams to thank for thwarting Paul Brayson.

The Crewe boss left the Victoria Stadium with much to ponder.

His side were more menacing than Vics, but their attacks repeatedly broke down thanks to a cocktail of stubborn defending and poor execution of the final pass.

Winger David Vaughan drifted inside to release Luke Varney after 26 minutes, the Crewe striker expertly rounding Phil Senior before seeing his goalbound shot cleared off the line by Kieron Charnock.

The Alex's next attack again saw Vaughan involved, but Senior saved his long-range shot with ease.

Meanwhile Vics toiled to craft any clear cut chances.

Stuart Elliott repeatedly exploited the space behind full back Jon Otsemobor to find Chris Williams, but his insistence on cutting back inside onto his stronger right foot often saw the momentum of attacks dissipate before the break.

Senior was called into action again on the stroke of half time, brilliantly clawing away a fierce drive by Crewe wide man Ryan Lowe.

Both managers made wholesale changes in the second period, but the entertainment value persisted.

Richard Battersby expertly picked out Paul Brayson in the Crewe box soon after the restart but, with only Williams to beat, the striker prodded his finish straight at the onrushing keeper.

Battersby was back in action at the other end seconds later, brilliantly diverting former Witton striker Nicky Maynard's shot away from danger.

Maynard again came close after 65 minutes, combining with Rob Lloyd before squeezing a shot inches past Ben Connett's far post.

Vics surged back and Danny Mayman was put clear by Jonny Allan on 68 minutes only to pull his shot across the face of the goal.

Giant sub Pavel Suhaj then spurned his side's two best chances in quick succession, much to the bewilderment of Gradi.

First he was denied by Ben Connett from six yards after pouncing on a rebound, then he spooned over the bar from a similar distance following a scramble at a corner.

Burr once again took the opportunity to cast an eye over triallists Chris Farman and Tom Rutter, although both again struggled to make any meaningful impact.


STAR MAN: Gareth Griffiths - A dominant display from Vics new defensive lynchpin. Excellent anticipation makes up for his lack of pace, but it's his organisation and leadership that has most bolstered Burr's backline.

VICS (first half): Senior, McCarthy, Gallimore, Griffiths, Elliott, Charnock, Byrne, Townson, Allan, Brayson and Williams.

VICS: (second half): Connett, Battersby, Brown, (Gallimore), Griffiths (Payne), Charnock, Mayman, Carr (Farman), Allan (Handyside), Brayson (Rutter), Sale and Roca.