VICTORY against Nantwich would have allowed the Motors clear at the summit of the Northern Premier League West Division.

However, much like against Runcorn earlier in the season, Danny Holmes’ men were left asking 'what if?' as their visitors snatched maximum points with a 2-1 away win. 

Nantwich started strong and clearly aimed to cause a second upset in less in a week taking the game straight to Vauxhall with the most chances in the first ten minutes, most notably a powerful strike by Giovanni Loureiro which stung the palms of Jack Atkinson.

Seconds later they were through again and this time it was Kai Evans who barrelled down on goal on the left side of the box before he poked it through Atkinson’s legs, but the shot lacked direction and Dom Hoppe allowed it to roll out.

Both sides began to settle into the game after the opening 15 minutes but despite the mostly relaxed attitude so far, it was clear there was some respect from Vauxhall for the visitors following such a dominant showing on Saturday against Trafford.

The Dabbers continued their shock factor from past weeks as a long ball fell into the path of Nathan Sandison. He evaded the attempt to defend by Hoppe and lofted the ball over The Motors' number one to give the visitors the opener.

It didn’t take long for the second as the goal scorer swung in a corner from the left side toward the back post. Patrick Kennedy rose highest over his marker and headed through the legs of Atkinson punishing a Vauxhall Motors side yet to arrive in this fixture.

The pressure continued to pile on from the visitors as Toby Jones was beaten on the right corner of the box by goal scorer and assist maker Nathan Sandison who smashed a curling effort toward the near post, but it was this time denied.

Nantwich continued to ask the questions in the final moments of the half but couldn’t find the finishing touches to add a third. As such the half time whistle was blown and there was lots of work to do for The Motors.

As the second period got underway, The Motormen pushed the issue, but a well organised Dabbers' defence contained the threat that Josh Quarless and Connor Rankin posed.

This caused a quiet half which mostly lacked any threat on either goal. The first action was again from the visitors who sought another goal when Hoppe and Vita Mbolokele collided in the box giving a free cross, but the following strike was mishit.

Finally, Vauxhall made an impact in the game as Jordan Deer’s front post corner was headed into the net by Jake Kirby-Reed making for an interesting final ten minutes.

Some superb skill from Deer then allowed him to beat his marker but this time his excellent delivery was not met by anyone in white despite possessing such quality and was seen out for a goal kick

As the game entered added time it looked like last chance saloon when Rankin’s cross to Ben Holmes was tapped into Nick Rushton’s path on the edge of the box. The substitute hit it first time but had leaned too far back and saw his effort sail over the bar.

Unfortunately, despite having so much of the ball in the second half, Vauxhall lacked the cutting edge to find an equaliser which meant the visitors would come away with yet another massive victory and The Motors would rue a missed chance to create some breathing room ahead of Widnes.

Holmes’ men return to action on Saturday afternoon with a visit to Trafford.