U's:2 Trickies:1

There haven’t been many instantly forgettable matches at the Abbey this season, but this was certainly one of them.

Although United’s performance wouldn’t really register on the Crap-o-meter when compared to some of last years displays, they still made heavy weather of dispensing of a hard working but dire Northwich side.

Still, three points is three points, and United were significantly under strength, minus the steadying influence of Albrighton (injured) at the heart of the back three, and the frolicking figure of Gleeson (suspended) on the right flank.

The first half was fairly uneventful. As this blog predicted on Friday, Stephen Reed tried his best out of position on the right, but his reluctance to use his right foot meant our attacking options down that side were virtually non-existent. Mark Convery returned from injury in the centre of the park, and looked off the pace throughout, choosing to launch hopeful balls forward rather than use the excellent football brain we’re told he possesses.

With Daryl Knights largely anonymous, it was left to Rob Wolleaston to once again get things moving. And it was he who created the opening goal, making an excellent diagonal run to latch onto Knights’ through ball. Advancing into the box, he sent a low cross to the far post where Rendell slid in to net his 12th of the season.

The young striker should have added a second shortly afterwards, but he somehow fired over when another Wolly centre found him two yards out with the goal gaping. If you weren’t there you’ll have to believe me when I say it was worse than Joel Grant’s miss for Aldershot last week. Never mind though, United were in the ascendancy now, and Northwich had done nothing to suggest that they might improve on their away record of no wins, no draws, and nine defeats.

But within a minute of the start of the second half, the Trickies had levelled. A straightforward long ball dissected our square looking backline, and tubby ex-U’s target Lee Steele ran through to slot past Potter, despite a desperate last ditch lunge from Morro.

To be honest it was no more than lethargic United deserved, and they continued to gift possession to the visitors, who fortunately were too inept to take advantage. United’s best chance to regain the lead fell to Lee Boylan, who found space in the box to meet Pitt’s cross but could only guide his header over the bar.

With time ticking away, JQ made a double substitution, introducing LFW and Robbie Willmott for Knights and Convery. And, not for the first time this season, the change paid almost immediate dividends. Willmott possesses electric pace, and he gave us an immediate taste of what was to come with an electrifying run which took him past three players before he was tackled.

Three minutes later, he picked up the ball wide on the right, left his marker for dead and fired in a wonderful cross which Rendell headed in from close range.

United looked more like their usual selves now, and could’ve sealed the win in the closing stages as Northwich pushed forward in search of an equaliser. First Willmott ran through on goal but, with Tynan at his mercy, seemingly couldn’t decide whether to take an early shot or go round the keeper. Eventually he did neither, and skied the ball high over the Newmarket Road End. Despite this one suspects his first United goal isn’t too far away.

Then great skill from Boylan on half way sent him scampering clear. But with LFW unmarked in the centre screaming for a pass, Boylan decided to shoot himself, and was denied by a great save from Tynan. Suffice to say the big Lemu was not amused.

JQ said in his post-match comments that we were playing with fear, and I think that’s probably true. Northwich were there for the taking and it’s a shame we couldn’t put on a better performance in front of what was our biggest crowd of the season. But of course getting the result was the most important thing, and with a couple of the absentee’s back in the fold we will hopefully be a different proposition at the Pirelli Stadium on Friday night.

Man of the Match: Rob Wolleaston – Another top class performance from our one man midfield.

Moaner of the Match: Northwich Manager Dino Maamria – Dirty Deano, so dubbed becuase of his suspect disciplinary record at Stevenage, should perhaps have his name changed to Deluded Deano given the nature of his post match comments.