Gillespie the hero as Widnes snatch a draw in thrilling final minutes
Northwich Victoria 2
Widnes FC 2 WIDNES FC came from behind to rescue a point in a dramatic finish against Northwich Victoria in Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey’s first game as joint-managers of the side.
In difficult conditions at Townfield last Saturday afternoon, Billy Webb turned home a loose ball to give Widnes a 70th minute lead but Brian Matthews equalised for Vics five minutes later.
Jake Pollard’s fluke cross nestled in the top corner of the net to give Vics a late lead but just as the hosts thought they had won it, Andy Gillespie struck a 94th minute equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game.
On a boggy playing surface not helped by heavy rain during the afternoon, Widnes tried to get the ball down and play, enjoying freedom down the right but despite their best efforts at finding a goal the opening period ended with a blank scoreline.
Northwich began the second half the better of the two sides, managing to negate the effect of playing up the steep slope at Townfield.
Matthews managed to evade the offside trap, holding off Sam Sheen as he drilled a dangerous cross into the area but keeper Richie Mottram was across to make a save.
Webb broke the deadlock 20 minutes from time. The influential Jack Graham was involved, working his way into the area only to see his shot beaten away by keeper Mike Donlan. However, the ball fell kindly for Webb who tapped home.
Widnes’s lead did not last long as Vics equalised five minutes later. From a setpiece, a scramble ensued in the area with Matthews reacting quickest to slam the loose ball beyond Mottram.
Steve Wilkes’s side had their tails up, and they took a late lead. It was a goal from nothing as substitute Pollard’s cross caught out Mottram, sailing into the top corner.
Widnes were afforded one last roll of the dice, and duly capitalised.
After Graham won a free-kick, Sean Myler floated his set-piece into the area where it was helped onto the bar by the head of a Northwich defender. A scramble ensued, with Gillespie reacting quickest to fire home.