Northwich Victoria

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Northwich 2-0 Mansfield

Northwich Victoria's relegation from the Blue Square Premier was confirmed on Monday afternoon despite beating Mansfield Town 2-0 at the Victoria Stadium.

The Vics had the better of the first half and thoroughly deserved to take the lead through Simon Grand in the 31st minute.

Grand managed to get on the end of a Joel Byrom cross and placed a powerful header into the back of the net.

Lee Elam should have doubled the host's lead soon after, but Stags goalkeeper Jason White was not going to be beaten for a second time.

Danny Meadowcroft had another chance to grab a second for the hosts, but his header sailed narrowly wide.

The Stags came out in the second period looking like a rejuvenated outfit, but when Elam found the back of the net in the 76th minute for the Vics, the match was over as a contest.

Vics goalkeeper Ryan Clarke was like a spectator for much of the match and it stayed that way all the way until the final whistle, despite Mansfield's improved performance in the second half.

Despite grabbing the three points, the Vics have to start preparing for next season in a division below, while the Stags are currently sitting comfortably in mid-table.

Northwich bookings: Allan, Elam.

Mansfield bookings: Briscoe, Hotchkiss, Garner.

Attendance: 858.

Referee: S Martin