Northwich Victoria

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Henry: Sent off in the first half.

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Northwich 0-1 Stevenage

Northwich Victoria were unable to make their numerical advantage count on Saturday despite seeing promotion hopefuls Stevenage Borough reduced to ten men in the first half.

And to add insult to injury, it was former Northwich defender Mark Roberts who scored the solitary goal to hand Stevenage victory.

Stevenage goalkeeper Chris Day was rarely called into action in the first period and the hosts were made to rue their lack of cutting edge in front of goal.

Northwich's Lee Elam had a good opportunity to give his side the lead in the 23rd minute but his shot from just outside the box flew over the crossbar.

The visitors were reduced to ten men in the 38th minute when Ronnie Henry was shown a straight red card for a foul on Northwich's new signing Kyle Perry.

Despite being at a numerical disadvantage, it was Stevenage who looked most likely to score and they nearly broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute.

Andrew Drury sent in an outswinging corner kick but Jon Ashton's header went wide of the left-hand post.

Northwich's Jamie Mullan missed the target in the 50th minute and was made to rue to his inaccuracy as former Vics defender Mark Roberts smashed home a loose ball from a threatening set piece just four minutes later.

Stevenage continued to push for a second goal but efforts by Michael Bostwick and David Bridges were unable to find their mark.

The Vics were handed a lifeline in the 89th minute when Matthew Bailey had a chance with a header, but the effort went wide of the right-hand post.

Northwich bookings: Whitley, Aspin, Grand.

Stevenage bookings: Morison, Laird.

Sent Off: Henry (38).

Ref: G Eltringham.

Att: 801.