NORTHWICH Victoria inflicted a first defeat of the season on Silsden to put behind them disappointing results on the road.

They had to wait for a breakthrough, but after Billy Whittle’s goal on the hour they kept their guests at arm’s length to record a fourth win from their past five league games at Wincham Park.

“I’ve criticised the players when we’ve been beaten recently and so they deserve a huge amount of credit,” said manager Steve Wilkes.

“At no point did they look uncomfortable.”

The hosts started on the front foot, and Silsden goalkeeper Sam Lee was called into action inside five minutes to thwart Whittle after John Connolly had made progress on the left.

Silsden, victors in seven of their previous 10 Premier Division fixtures, replied when Mark Everingham’s shot from the edge of the penalty area worked Vics’ number one Danny Taberner.

Joel Brownhill could not find the target after Whittle had created a chance, while at the other end Taberner was again alert to save low to his right when striker Luke Rhodes tried his luck.

Vics continued to apply pressure after the interval, and deservedly took the lead.

Brownhill’s cross reached Brian Matthews and, after a collision with Lee saw the ball run loose, Whittle reacted to redirect it into the net past two defenders attempting to reover.

Silsden, promoted as Division One champions at the end of last season, went closest to an equaliser when Joe Mitchell headed weakly straight at Taberner.

Instead they had to defend, and Dom Craig’s header dropped the wrong side of an upright from Kirtis Monson’s cross.

A second goal arrived on 78 minutes though when Brownhill dispatched a penalty past Lee after referee Darren Frost judged Dan Illingworth to have handled.

Substitute Rob Doran then sent Craig clear, but his deflected cross struck the base of a post and was smuggled to safety.

Vics | Taberner (GK), Camozzi, Shinks, Barski, Monson, Whittle (Clarke 87), Cooke, Connolly (Doran 55), Craig, Brownhill (Kenny 81), Matthews Subs not used Webb, Pilgrim Goals Whittle 60, Brownhill 78 (penalty) Booked Camozzi

Silsden | Lee (GK), Bentham, Kendall (Sultan 69), Barnes, Illingworth, Lyndon (Spires 79), Mitchell, Hancock, Everingham, Kirby, Rhodes (Storrie 69) Subs not used Davis, Forrest Booked Illingworth

Referee Darren Frost

Attendance 124

Match report by Jamie Dewsbury