JIM Gannon praised a professional performance from his side that kept them top of the table.

Richie Bennett and Gary Burnett scored in either half at Stainton Park to preserve a slender one-point advantage over Darlington at the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One North summit.

They host promotion rival Salford at Flixton this Saturday.

“That is when our professionalism comes in as we learn to keep our mental and tactical discipline, manage the game and keep total concentration,” said the Vics boss.

“The back four deserved a clean sheet and throughout the second half they were well-supported and protected by the midfield.

“It was a good collective display as everyone did their jobs and played their part. In the context of the other results it was an important three points to keep us in first place.”

Vics enjoyed a dream start when Abou Sanogo cleared away a Borough corner on four minutes, sending Burnett free inside his own half.

The forward’s break took him to the edge of the box, where he delivered for Bennett, on loan from Ashton United, to smash home left-footed from 12 yards.

Chris Mason saw an effort cannon back off the crossbar as Radcliffe searched for an equaliser, while at the other end Burnett went close from Brian Summerskill’s pass.

Burnett finally got his goal moments after an hour when Sanogo headed on keeper Tim Deasy’s long kick for the front man to finish.

Burnett released Bohan Dixon 12 minutes later, but he shot wide.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men late on when substitute Ashford Blake was punished for a late tackle on full back Chris Smalley.

Vics: Deasy (GK), Ali, Henry, Clarke, Smalley, Roddy, Summerskill (Gorman 65), Dixon, Sanogo, Bennett (Sherratt 83), Burnett (Abadaki 75). Subs not used: Smith (GK), Meadowcroft. Attendance: 84.