VICS kept their title charge on course with a win at struggling Scarborough on Saturday.

Substitute Stuart Cook netted twice and Iain Howard was also on target for Jim Gannon’s side, who stay top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s First Division North on goal difference.

“We are blessed to be working with such a good group of players and when I reflected on the individual performances of the players I could not find fault in any,” said the manager afterwards.

“Everyone played their part in what was a solid team performance.”

It took 13 minutes for the visitors to create a first real chance when a cross by leading scorer Richie Bennett found Howard, but he poked wide from six yards.

Seadogs front-man Ryan Blott tried his luck from distance at the other end, but found goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe equal to his attempt.

Two minutes later Bennett’s header was off-target from Brian Summerskill’s delivery, although Vics did break through five minutes before half-time when Howard steered from close range after Gary Burnett diverted the ball his way.

Scarborough skipper Matty Bloor – also their stand-in manager – shot wide after the interval, while opposite number Mike Clarke’s header was saved at the other end after he met Mike Roddy’s cross.

The title-hopefuls made safe maximum points with two goals in as many minutes, both claimed by Cook.

First he dinked over goalkeeper Pat Weaver after Howard and Bennett had combined on the counter, then quickly grabbed his second when he swept in Scott Duxbury’s centre from the left.

They return to action on Saturday when play-offs contenders Glossop North End visit Wincham Park.

Vics Springthorpe (GK), Byrne (Ali 81), Duxbury, Clarke, Astles, Krou, Summerskill, Roddy, Bennett (Sanogo 78), Howard, Burnett (Cook 63) Subs not used Smith (GK), Ball

Attendance 381