SALFORD settled the outcome in the opening half hour to establish a five-point lead at the Division One North summit.

Goals from Chris Lynch and Sam Madeley set them on course for a fourth home victory of the campaign, meaning Michael Clarke’s header in stoppage time for the visitors proved only a consolation.

It left Vics manager Jim Gannon with mixed emotions afterwards.

He said: “Anybody watching could not suggest with any fairness that the score reflected the performance of the two teams.

“For large parts of the game we were more organised and effective, but the crucial difference was ruthlessness in front of goal.”

Lynch was first a to a rebound midway through the first half after Northwich goalkeeper Tim Deasy had parried Danny Webber’s initial attempt.

He turned provider for the Ammies’ second goal, a long pass for Madeley ending with the wide man firing low inside an upright.

At the other end, Josh Amis supplied a pass for Godwin Abadaki but his shot missed the target.

Amis wasted an opportunity shortly after half time, choosing to shoot when Abadaki and Gary Burnett were better-placed inside the penalty area.

Webber could not apply the final touch to an attack he started for Salford, while midfielder Stuart Cook’s drive from distance for Vics forced goalkeeper Jay Lynch to save smartly.

Substitute Bohan Dixon and Abadaki were both denied by Lynch before Clarke diverted a header from close range past the Salford custodian from Cook’s corner.

Gannon added: “Our deserved goal arrived too late.

“Despite the players’ determination and effort, the performance is of little consolation because we have to accept the bitter taste of defeat.”

Vics Deasy (GK), Smalley (Harries 77), Ali, Clarke, Henry, Cook, Abadaki, Summerskill (Dixon 24), Burnett, Amis (Sanogo 72), Sherratt Subs not used Chalmers, Mooney Attendance 443