MICHAEL Clarke’s first-half header was enough to secure maximum points, sending Vics to the Division One North summit.

Jim Gannon’s men have played two more games than closest rivals Darlington, who did not play, but sit one point clear at the top after the striker-turned-defender’s winning goal.

It sent his Northern Irish manager home happy, and relieved.

“You begin to fear that missed chances would come back to haunt you,” he said.

“After we scored, Brighouse played with a greater determination. Perhaps it was due to their positive reaction to going behind, but I was disappointed we didn’t step up our game and keep the approach that had created our earlier chances.

“We were frustrated we didn’t control the game better and finish off the opposition.

“In the end it was a hard-earned three points, but it was nice to learn that winning had lifted us to the top of the table.”

Clarke’s goal came in the 24th minute when he flicked smartly flicked a header backwards into the net from Stuart Cook’s corner.

It came after debutant forward Richie Bennett, signed on loan from Ashton United, had sent an effort over the crossbar from six yards when faced with an open goal.

But Gannon hopes the incentive of hanging on to first place can provide a boost for his players heading into a busy Christmas period.

“Psychologically it is a real boost for the players at this stage of the season,” he added.

“It is a good feeling being top of the league so hopefully they warm to it and want to stay there.”

His side heads next to Radcliffe Borough, impressive victors against Droylsden at the weekend, this Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

Vics: Deasy (GK), Smalley, Henry, Clarke, Ali, Cook, Dixon, Roddy, Burnett, Bennett, (Summerskill 55) (Sherratt 90), Sanogo (Abadaki 73). Subs not used: Smith (GK), Gorman. Attendance: 85.