In the only Blue Square North fixture of Wednesday night, Northwich Victoria suffered their first defeat of the year after being beaten 5-2 at the Victoria Stadium by Droylsden.
The visitors started well and stated their intentions early with some good attacking play. James Spencer in the Vics goal saved well after 6 minutes to turn an effort around the post. From the corner the Bloods should have taken the lead from a close range header which went over the bar.
The Bloods took a 14th minute lead through winger Neil Prince`s effort from the edge of the area, and the visitors were two-up less than 2 minutes later when Shaun Whalley lifted the ball over Vics` keeper James Spencer from close range.
The home side brought on Jamie Vermigilo and top scorer Mark Danks at half time and the changes had an immediate impact. On the pitch only 3 minutes, Danks put the hosts back into the game.
However, Vics` chances of winning the game were reduced greatly after 69 minutes when Ryan Clarke was sent-off for a `professional foul`. From the resulting free kick the Bloods made it three – credited to Tony Gray but looked more like a Spencer own goal.
The visitors made it 4-1 fourth from Gray after 80 minutes from the penalty spot, and the fifth came 5 minutes from time from Kevin Leadbetter.
Matt Bailey netted a consolation for the home side in stoppage time.
