VICS boss Paul Moore hailed “a huge three points” as victory over Carlton Town moved his side off the bottom of the Northern Premier League First Division South table.

Dave Short’s early penalty proved to be the winner at Wincham Park as the Green and Whites jumped above Loughborough Dynamo.

Vics were scheduled to host Gresley last night, Wednesday.

Moore, who saw his side end a run of five winless game on Saturdays, says the performance was exactly what he wanted.

“It’s a huge three points,” he said.

“I asked for a performance and I've criticised the whole squad recently for not taking the opportunity to climb off the bottom of the league.

“This was a game we knew we had to win.

“We had a better and more experienced look about us.

“Our shape was good and we had a determination about us that in recent games has been lacking.”

After a cagey opening to Saturday’s game, Vics took the lead when Stu McDonald was upended in the area by Carlton stopper Jack Steggles.

The penalty was awarded and Short’s penalty was too powerful despite Steggles guessing correctly.

Lingouba Cesaire had Vics’ only other chance before the break as he fired wide from the edge of the area.

After the interval, home skipper Reece Lyndon’s header from a McDonald corner was saved by Steggles, while Carlton defender Kieran Walker narrowly avoided putting the ball into his own net shortly after.

Vics’ task became a little harder with 20 minutes remaining when Yaw Gyimah’s off-the-ball elbow on a Carlton player was spotted and the striker was sent off.

Despite the disadvantage, the hosts finished the game strongly and could have extended their lead when Cesaire’s chipped effort came back off the crossbar.

Alex Troke had an effort deflected just wide for Carlton, but Vics saw out the victory.

After Gresley’s visit, Moore takes his side to AFC Rushden and Diamonds on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Vics are also scheduled to face Rugby Town at Wincham Park on Wednesday, kick off 7.45pm.

Vics | Forth (GK), Lawrence, Lyndon, Fitzgerald, Mannion, Bennett, Cesaire, Clarke, McDonald, Gyimah, Short (Kelleher 90). Subs not used Shaw, Imade, Matthews

Attendance 85