Blue Square North side Northwich Victoria defeated League One’s Charlton Athletic 1-0 at the Victoria Stadium earlier this afternoon.
The match that pitted a team ranked over 80 higher in the league against the part timers from Wincham had the feel of a possible upset from the outset. Almost instantly it was clear that this would not be a routine victory for the league one side. The hard work and dogged determination of the Northwich side saw them pose the greater threat.
Twice the Charlton defence cleared Matt Bailey’s headers off the line as the defender provided a constant threat from set pieces. In truth Charlton were fortunate to return to the dressing room at half time on equal terms following a mad goal mouth scramble just minutes before the whistle.
The second half start in acrimonious fashion as striker Izale McLeod elbowed his Northwitch counterpart whilst the referee’s back was turned. It was clear that Charlton manager Phil Parkinson had told his men to match their opponents determination and desire as the league one side began to gain an uncomfortable ascendancy.
Yet just when the matched seemed to be shifting in Charlton’s favour an 81st minute poke home from 18 year old substitute Wayne Riley sent the home crowd into raptures.
For the last 10 minutes the atmosphere there was a mixture of tension and anticipation bubbling around the stadium.
Their reward for their giant killing efforts is another home time against Lincoln city a match that they must feel is winnable after today’s result.
My Pick of the second round match ups:
Kettering Town vs Leeds United
Northwitch Vic vs Lincoln City
AFC Bournemouth vs Notts County
The match that pitted a team ranked over 80 higher in the league against the part timers from Wincham had the feel of a possible upset from the outset. Almost instantly it was clear that this would not be a routine victory for the league one side. The hard work and dogged determination of the Northwich side saw them pose the greater threat.
Twice the Charlton defence cleared Matt Bailey’s headers off the line as the defender provided a constant threat from set pieces. In truth Charlton were fortunate to return to the dressing room at half time on equal terms following a mad goal mouth scramble just minutes before the whistle.
The second half start in acrimonious fashion as striker Izale McLeod elbowed his Northwitch counterpart whilst the referee’s back was turned. It was clear that Charlton manager Phil Parkinson had told his men to match their opponents determination and desire as the league one side began to gain an uncomfortable ascendancy.
Yet just when the matched seemed to be shifting in Charlton’s favour an 81st minute poke home from 18 year old substitute Wayne Riley sent the home crowd into raptures.
For the last 10 minutes the atmosphere there was a mixture of tension and anticipation bubbling around the stadium.
Their reward for their giant killing efforts is another home time against Lincoln city a match that they must feel is winnable after today’s result.
My Pick of the second round match ups:
Kettering Town vs Leeds United
Northwitch Vic vs Lincoln City
AFC Bournemouth vs Notts County
