JIM Gannon believes an ‘inner confidence’ built on taking points off their rivals will serve his Northwich Vics side well in their bid for promotion.

Second-placed Vics were held to a goalless draw by visitors Mossley on Saturday, their second draw in three days, making it five points from a possible nine over the festive period.

They are unbeaten now in their past eight outings.

A trip to fellow Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North play-off hopefuls Spennymoor Town follows this Saturday, with boss Gannon hungry for a win.

“Although we would like to win every week, the most important thing is to maintain our current ratio of two points per game,” said the Northwich boss.

“Over the course of a season, that should leave us well-placed by the end.

“We may not truly realise it, but inner confidence of competing with the best home and away is becoming an ingrained quality that will serve us well in the future.”

Vics goalkeeper Tim Deasy was relatively untroubled throughout on Saturday, with Mossley managing one attempt on target in the 90 minutes.

The hosts’ best chance saw midfielder Brian Summerskill’s long-range drive come back off a post.

Gannon hopes his players can demonstrate again their promotion credentials this weekend.

He added: “Strangely, I feel satisfied but not satisfied.

“I’m happy, but still very hungry for more. I hope the players feel the same.

“We should relish the pressure of going to Spennymoor on Saturday and showing how well-equipped we are for progress and success from now on.”

Vics: Deasy (GK), Smalley, Henry, Clarke, Gorman, Cook, Summerskill, Roddy (Sanogo 69), Burnett, Bennett, Abadaki (Meadowcroft 46). Subs not used: Smith (GK), Ali, Sherratt. Attendance: 110