NORTHWICH Victoria dropped points in a race for the title when they were held at home by Clitheroe on Saturday.

However Jim Gannon’s men will still be top of the table at Christmas in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s Division One North, a single point better off than closest rivals Warrington Town with two games in hand.

Their opponents, the only team to inflict defeat on Vics in a league match this season, started brightly at Wincham Park.

David Lynch went close to scoring an opener, prompting goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe to parry a curling cross from a corner onto the woodwork.

In a scramble that followed, Sefton Gonzales’ powerful shot was blocked by Northwich captain Mike Clarke.

The hosts replied, and on 12 minutes a cross by Scott Duxbury reached fellow full back Alex Byrne.

His low attempt was diverted by custodian Ben Woodhead.

Iain Howard was next to go close for Vics, but his goal-bound shot from Richie Bennett’s assist was cleared by defender Brandon Barski.

the best chance of the opening period fell to Jordan Williams who sent a glancing header narrowly wide of the post from a Byrne centre.

And the former Buxton man was denied by a goal-line clearance in the second half, while Brian Summerskill was next to try his luck with an effort that flew off-target.

Gonzales escaped the attention of Clarke and defensive partner Ryan Astles with less than half an hour to go, but his shot did not trouble Springthorpe.

The hosts were soon back on the attack, and Woodhead reacted well to keep out Bennett’s shot from close range.

Skipper Clarke then headed wide from a Summerskill corner before Clitheroe thought they had pinched the points when Danny Brady netted.

However Gonzales had crept into an offside position.

Vics Springthorpe (GK), Byrne, Clarke, Astles, Duxbury, Ball, Cook, Summerskill, Howard, Williams (Amis 80), Bennett. Subs not used Smith (GK), Roddy, Krou, Ali.

Attendance 205