ADAM Lakeland did not hide his delight after watching Northwich Victoria record a first win of the season on Saturday.

Goals from Dan Cockerline, Jamie Hinchcliffe and Alec Mudimu helped move their side from the foot of the Northern Premier League Division One South table.

It prompted the Vics boss to hail his players’ spirit during a testing start.

“We’ve played well in the majority of games this season without reward,” he said.

“For such a young group, they have shown character and courage through a difficult few weeks.

“That experience will only make us stronger going forward.

“While we’ll enjoy this victory because it’s a massive monkey off our back, it’s also important we continue to work hard and look to build on it.”

Vics, frustrated to only draw at Chasetown last Tuesday after dominating, broke through after the break when Cockerline turned his marker before curling home.

That lead was doubled with 10 minutes left, when Hinchcliffe broke the offside trap before lobbing Steels’ goalkeeper.

And Mudimu made the points safe in injury time, after a fine run from Michael Brewster, by slamming in from close range.

Lakeland added: “It was great to see us score three goals, but the most pleasing aspect for me was a clean sheet.

“We’ve scored in all but one of our games this season, so if we can start to keep out the opposition then we’ll give ourselves a great chance of winning more matches.”

Northwich visit back-markers Rugby Town on Saturday.

Vics | Springthorpe (GK), Olopade, Fitzgerald, Regan, Pritchard, Brewster, Mudimu, Hinchliffe (Nolan 89), Edwards (Simon Lakeland 72), Cockerline (Waldron 90), Gyimah Sub not used Clarke

Attendance 92