Irlam FC returned to action this weekend, winning 3-1 away at Northwich Manchester Villa after over a month of postponed fixtures. Two goals from forward Matty Boland and a third from midfielder Tom Russell saw Irlam take all 3 points from the Etihad Campus.

The game started tentatively with Irlam looking to move the ball around whilst Villa looked to get the ball forward early at every opportunity. Liam Morrison and Russell were keeping Irlam in control without the away side creating too much in the way of clear opportunities.

This all changed in the 15th minute when an opportunist finish saw Irlam take the lead. A quick passing move led to Boland running forward towards the area, one touch later and with his head up, the frontman picked out the top corner with minimum fuss to put Irlam 1-0 in front; a great finish leaving the keeper with no chance.

Northwich threatened themselves, several balls into the box leading to half chances as the powerful Vics forward line challenged for every ball. Irlam goalkeeper Lee White called into action at his near post as the ball fell to a Vics man on the edge of the 6 yard box.

However, the game became a scrappy affair and the next real moment of note would see Irlam double their lead. A crucial tackle from Tom Russell saw the midfielder able to break into the final third; once there Irlam’s number 4 weighed up his options before choosing the correct one, a curling shot into the far corner to make it 2-0; the goal right on half-time sending Irlam into the break in high spirits.

The half-time interval saw the Irlam players regather themselves before almost immediately putting further distance between themselves and Villa. An in-swinging Morrison free kick saw Peters get his head to the ball in the 6 yard area, the ball fell kindly for Boland who made no mistake to volley home for 3-0 and give Irlam a degree of comfort in the fixture.

Despite Irlam’s control of the game, Northwich did not lie down and made inroads just after the hour mark. A ball played wide saw a cross delivered into the box, substitute John Grant heading home across goal to reduce the deficit and make the score 3-1. Initial confusion surrounded the goal, the linesman's flag raised early in the move and so the goal was not allowed. However, a brief chat between the officials saw the goal given and the game was somewhat back on.

Irlam continued to push and threaten in all areas of the pitch, Lomas and Southworth applying pressure down the right hand side - utilising the non-stop Lawlor in the best possible way and stretching the home sides defence.

Changes were made soon after for Irlam. Michael Itela, Danny Eyres and Marcus Perry all introduced as the visitors looked to remain fresh in the closing stages. The solidity of Irlam’s backline, Cassell and Kpohgomou at the heart of it, leaving manager Steve Nixon happy to rotate things further forward.

With 20 minutes to go, Villa now enjoyed their best spell of the match, Eyres clearing superbly off the line as another good chance was blazed over the crossbar. However, Irlam regained composure in the final 10 minutes and probably should have added another to see the game off; Lawlor finishing a great move involving Itela and Peters only to see the goalkeeper pull off a point blank save. Next up was Gareth Mooney, the midfielder opening up and firing towards goal - again his effort was matched with an equally good save from the Villa goalkeeper.

This would signal the end of any major incidents and the final whistle confirmed a 3-1 victory and a good day for Irlam; a key victory in the side’s push up the table.

Irlam FC: White, Lomas(C), Peters, Russell (Eyres), Cassell, Kpohgomou, Mooney, Morrison, Lawlor, Boland (Itela), Southworth (Perry).

Subs not used: Adams