ADAM Lakeland celebrated a winning start as manager when Vics eased aside Ossett Albion on Saturday.

They were emphatic victors against opponents who have now followed eight successive league wins with three defeats in a row.

Northwich took the lead on 21 minutes, when Brian Summerskill’s header from close range supplied a finishing touch to Alex Byrne’s cross from the right.

And they doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, this time when leading scorer Richie Bennett fired past goalkeeper Brett Souter following Michael Roddy’s smart assist.

The visitors were comfortable at the other end, and it was not until the moments before half time that Albion front man Rob Bordman sent a shot on target.

However custodian Mason Springthorpe was untroubled.

Vics made safe the points early in the second when Iain Howard increased his goal tally for the campaign to 12 with a sweetly-struck drive from the edge of the penalty area after Summerskill had nudged the ball his way.

In complete control, Northwich went close to a fourth when Summerskill’s attempt prompted Souter to stretch fully and save with his fingertips.

Substitute Gary Burnett went close too, flashing an effort past the upright after reaching first Jimmy Ball’s pass.

“It was great to deliver three points in my first game,” said Lakeland afterwards.

“We had to be organised and patient on a pitch that wasn’t the best, but I thought the players were magnificent from start to finish.

“Their application, discipline and organisation was excellent throughout.”

Ossett | Souter (GK), Nicholson, Hardaker, Claisse, South, Riordan, Brunt (Bower 57), Paylor, Bordman, Matthews (Kiwanda 57), Muller Subs not used Walker, Ndlovu, Thompson Booked Riordan, Bordman

Vics | Springthorpe (GK), Byrne, Duxbury, Krou, Clarke, Ball, Roddy, Cook, Summerskill (Burnett 76), Howard (Sanogo 82), Bennett (Amis 82) Subs not used Smith (GK), Ali Goals Summerskill 21, Bennett 31, Howard 47

Attendance 174