VICS made sure they stay top of the table after becoming the first side since September to shut out Droylsden.

On-loan front man Richard Bennett scored either side of Gary Burnett’s goal to help Jim Gannon’s men beat out-of-sorts Bloods, beaten now in three of their past four league matches.

“I asked for a professional performance and got one,” said Gannon afterwards.

“Everybody played their part and we’ve maintained the momentum we have.

“Apart from a couple of close shaves in the first half, I thought we handled Droylsden’s front line quite well – the defence deserved a clean sheet.”

The hosts took the lead at Flixton on 11 minutes, when Abou Sanogo and Burnett combined on the left before the latter teed up Bennett – borrowed from Premier Division outfit Ashton United – to volley in from close range.

Droylsden replied almost instantly, but Michael Monaghan’s sweetly-struck shot hit the crossbar from Adam Morning’s assist.

Vics doubled their lead on 20 minutes, this time when Bennett diverted the ball into Burnett’s path and his shot proved too powerful for custodian Russ Saunders to keep out.

Bennett’s header struck the woodwork from Michael Roddy’s cross before the break, while Saunders blocked another Burnett effort with an outstretched leg.

Droylsden’s net-minder saved smartly to deny Bennett in the second period after Sanogo had sent Roddy’s corner his way before the league leaders settled the outcome with a quarter of an hour left.

Bennett, left with an open goal after Saunders had rushed from his area to meet a lofted pass before substitute Godwin Abadaki, shot with force from 35 yards before the goalkeeper could recover.

Gannon added: “Gary and Richie have formed a very good partnership already and are clearly enjoying playing alongside each other.”

Vics are due back in action at Lancaster City on Sunday, kick off 3pm.

Vics Deasy (GK), Smalley, Henry, Clarke, Ali, Cook, Roddy, Dixon (Sherratt 46), Sanogo, Burnett (Abadaki 55), Bennett (Gorman 80) Subs not used Smith (GK), Meadowcroft Attendance 147