NORTHWICH boss Jim Gannon is confident his side are benefitting from a link with Flixton Villa after they beat Radcliffe on Saturday.

Goals for Richie Bennett and Joshua Amis sealed the points for the Manchester-based hosts, who now sit third in the Northern Premier League’s Division One North table.

But Gannon was most pleased to see those he has recently added to his squad performing well.

“It’s been nice to add a few Villa players to the squad recently and it was good for Lassana Mendes and Guy Ansa-Palmer to make their debuts.

“It’s great that we are now seeing the fruits of work done by Bill Prendergast there, and that a link between the two clubs is stronger.”

Vics also added former Witton midfielder Iain Howard and Cedric Krou, from Ramsbottom, to the squad in time to face Radcliffe.

Gary Burnett saw a shot saved early on following good work from Mike Roddy before Godwin Abadaki had to be substituted after a ball hit him in the face on 22 minutes.

He was replaced by Amis, who soon headed Howard’s cross over from close range.

Vics goalkeeper Tim Deasy was called into action to save from Radcliffe’s Jack Hindle, while Mo Ali fired narrowly over at the other end.

But shortly before the break Gannon’s side found a breakthrough when Bennett juggled a loose ball on his thigh before smashing in a volley.

Four minutes after the interval Vics wrapped up the points when Amis converted a penalty after Bennett had been fouled in the area.

Bennett went close again for the home team late on, firing over from 12 yards after Burnett’s deflected header had diverted kindly into his path.

Vics: Deasy (GK), Smalley, Ali, Clarke, Henry, Krou, Abadaki (Amis 22), Roddy (Meadowcroft 90), Burnett, Bennett (Ansa-Palmer 78), Howard. Subs not used: Smith (GK). Attendance: 95.