NORTHWICH Victoria struck late to claim a deserved victory 2-1 at Avro, writes Pete Tonge.

New signing Kev Pollard put Vics in front after 68 minutes.

Kane Wallwork (81) levelled matters but Matty Clarke, not long since arriving on the pitch as a substitute for Ryan Winder, hit the winner in the 90th minute.

The first half proved to be a fairly quiet affair with both defences on top and few chances being created.

Scott Reed, in the Vics goal, was forced into early action though when he saved well from a long distance effort from Avro and then produced an even more spectacular save to tip a curling effort from Kane Wallwork over the bar.

In the 14th minute, a good cross from Joe Camozzi found Jamie Reed but he couldn't get enough power on his header to trouble the Avro keeper.

Three minutes later, Vics threatened again as Saul Henderson and Reed played a lovely one-two down the left, leading to Reed driving into the box but his shot was well blocked.

Avro's best chance came after 27 minutes when Brandon Barski did brilliantly to make a last-ditch tackle just as an Avro striker was about to shoot when free in the box.

Vics should have taken the lead just before half time, when a beautiful ball from Winder played Reed through one-on-one with the keeper, who stood up well to deny the frontman.

Avro made a strong start to the second half and Scott Reed was forced to tip an early effort over the bar.

It was Avro who should have taken the lead after 58 minutes when Scott Reed came rushing out out of his goal and the ball was tapped past him, but went rolling wide of the post.

Vics were getting stronger, however, and after 66 minutes, Jamie Reed led a quick counter but the keeper did well to save his shot which was bound for the bottom left corner.

A minute later, Vics did take the lead as the corner was floated in by Winder and debutant Pollard was there to head home.

Vics were looking fairly comfortable but they gave away a free kick on the right corner of the penalty box on 81 minutes, and Kane Wallwork's effort somehow found its way into the net at the near post.

Vics weren't to be denied though, and were finishing the match strongly.

Henderson was denied by a great save from the Avro keeper.

Then in the final minute, a cross from the right went all the way beyond the far post where 85th-minute substitute Clarke retrieved it, strode forward a couple of yards and fired a great shot into the back of the net from a tight angle.

It was no more than Vics deserved for a battling effort after the disappointment of the past couple of games.

Vics: Reed S, Henry, Kenny, Barski, Doran P, Camozzi, Winder (Clarke 85'), Pollard, Dorney (Wilson 91'), Henderson, Reed J (Greenop 75'). Subs not used: Whyte, Blackledge.