With only one defeat in their last 21 fixtures Northwich Victoria were always going to prove a tough nut to crack in Tuesday's opening Seel Park fixture of the season, and so it proved as Vics' early goal wrapped up the points for the big budget visitors.

Northwich have a rigid game plan that serves them well and they pulled it off to a tee in a largely scrappy encounter which saw few chances for either side.

Vics play a direct, physical and 'in your face' style with big defenders and quick forwards and the visitors held the upper hand in the early stages.

The visitors had the ball in the net inside three minutes but Josh Amis was ruled off-side. However, they took the lead just four minutes later. Arron Hevingham, who had an otherwise sound game, was caught in possession inside Mossley's half and the ball was played down the left channel for Gary Burnett who made no mistake with a 15 yard angled shot.

Mossley were able to make little headway against a very well drilled Vics back line marshalled by one time Mossley player Danny Meadowcroft.

The Lilywhites best chances of the opening half saw a Charlie Anderson free kick that Deasy did well to hold, Mike Fish flashed a drive across the face of the goal with Dougie Carroll just unable to get a touch on it and a deft Steve Foster flick from a tight angle also almost brought an equaliser.

The second half saw the visitors happy to sit and defend their lead often pulling all eleven back to defend set pieces, a ploy that was to ultimately frustrate the Lilywhites.

The ever dangerous Foster and the in form Fish were the biggest threat for Mossley and both had half chances as the second period progressed. Anderson fired over with another free kick and saw a fierce half volley fly centimetres over the bar. Foster, Fish and Andy Keogh also had chances as the game drifted to it's close but Vics defence held firm to the end.

Wiz

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