ADAM Lakeland says he saw the response he had been looking for when Northwich Victoria ended their worst run of results this season on Saturday.

They returned to the table’s top five after ending a five-match sequence without a win.

“The most important thing was to take three points,” he said.

“The players’ attitude was good and, although we lost a bit of composure when Prescot came back to 2-1, they settled down again after scoring a third goal.

“We played fantastic football in spells, and moving forward I want to see us sustain that for longer periods in games.”

His side took the lead on 12 minutes when Stuart Cook scored with an angled drive from inside the penalty area.

A second goal arrived shortly afterwards, this time when Scott Duxbury’s shot deflected past goalkeeper James Burke off teammate Anthony Shinks.

Gary Burnett was unlucky to see his header hit the crossbar from Jimmy Ball’s cross, while James Edgar glanced wide at the other end.

Vics’ custodian Mason Springthorpe saved smartly to deny Connor Grainger when he shot from distance, although he could do nothing to stop Rob Doran’s free kick when Prescot halved their arrears before the break.

The hosts began the second half on the front foot, and Alex Byrne’s attempt struck the woodwork.

Burke then stretched fully to divert Burnett’s rising drive with his fingertips, only for Ball to make it 3-1 on the hour when Burnett turned provider.

Burnett then steered a perfectly-placed lob over Burke to add to Vics’ lead.

Captain Michael Clarke converted a penalty after substitute Richie Bennett had been fouled by defender James McCulloch before Cables netted a late consolation through Edgar.

Lakeland added: “I’m happy Gary [Burnett] got a goal; he’s worked his socks off for us every week without getting much in return.

“It will do him the world of good.”

Vics head to Mossley tomorrow, Tuesday, then travel to Brighouse at the weekend.

Vics | Springthorpe (GK), Byrne, Clarke, Regan, Duxbury, Cook, Summerskill, Ball, Toner (Roddy 73), Amis (Bennett 69), Burnett (Gyimah 73). Subs not used Watson, Howard. Goals Cook 12, Duxbury 17, Ball 61, Burnett 67, Clarke 72 (penalty)

Prescot |Burke (GK), Jones, Flood (McCulloch 5), Shinks (Grundy 69), O'Reilly, Duke, Joe Nicholson, Grainger, Doran, Scarisbrick, Edgar Subs not used Dean, Bannister, Josh Nicholson Goals Doran 41, Edgar 82

Referee Richard Holmes

Attendance 148