Newton-le-Willows ended Mersey Valley’s seven-game winning streak with an impressive performance against a well-below-par Valley team.

It was the same team that started the game against Halton Farnworth, one change on the bench with striker Aaron Johnson returning after 3 weeks out with an ankle injury.

On a poor pitch, Valley started well, a Riley free kick was headed back by Greenwood and scrambled clear, from the resulting corner Evans curled a brilliant ball into the area but Goldrick failed to test the keeper with a headed chance.

The game was opening up but both teams were sloppy in possession. Another free kick was smashed in low by Deering but was easy for the keeper to collect.

GOAL! Niall Goldrick opens the scoring for Mersey Valley

The deadlock was broken on 15 minutes, Goldrick trying his luck from 25 yards out, the keeper misjudging the flight and was beaten to give the visitors the lead.

It didn’t last long, pace down the right-hand side from Walker burst past Roach and fired the ball past Cooke.

The game changed, the home side grew in confidence and started to win the battles, especially in the midfield. Valley seemed slow and lethargic and lacked quality when in dangerous areas.

Newton capitalised with a second goal on 32 minutes, Whittle finding space in the area and beating Cooke – far too easy.

Mersey tried to react but couldn’t get any momentum and seemed to lack any belief, which, after such a great run, was surprising to see.

HT: Newton-le-Willows 2 Mersey Valley 1

A big reaction was needed in the second half but Newton made a switch to a more defensive shape and their back four was solid and disciplined.

Adams was booked for a late tackle and Johnson replaced the unlucky Woolley in a tactical shift from the visitors.

Despite a good spell of possession, Valley couldn’t create any real chances and the home side were happy to make the game a stop-start affair. their game management was very effective.

Despite late pressure Newton hung on and grabbed a 3rd goal.

The big moment came with 8 minutes remaining, Johnson with a brilliant turn to create a chance, his shot was brilliantly saved by Potter in the Newton goal and looked to have earned the win.

With Valley committing men forward in added time the home side broke and scored a third goal through Boardman.

Their reaction at full-time showed how much the victory meant to them after a poor run of league form.

After the game, manager Jon Hudson spoke about the team’s performance. “We are all really disappointed. It was probably our worst performance of the season, and we looked like a different team today. As a manager, you always take responsibility for days like today, and we will work hard this week before the next game.

Newton deserves a lot of credit. They had a clear game plan in the second half, and it worked really well – I would expect them to kick on now and climb up the table.

We lacked quality today and with the players we have that is hugely frustrating, we have players back next week and need a strong reaction. We’ve had a brilliant season so far and one bad day doesn’t change that, it just reminds the lads how tough this league is and how we all need to step up now.”

FT: Newton-le-Willows 3 Mersey Valley 1