STEVE Wilkes has promised to make further signings after Northwich Victoria lost his first game in charge against Maine Road.

He recruited goalkeeper Michael Donlan and Sam Fitton, a midfielder, in time for both to make their debut at Brantingham Road last Saturday.

Kieron Dale, who was registered before Paul Moore’s resignation as manager, played from the first minute too.

“It’s obvious I need to bring in players,” said Wilkes.

“But I couldn’t have asked any more of the lads than what they gave, especially after only two hours together at training before the weekend.”

Vics started promisingly, and took the lead inside three minutes when in-form front man Brian Matthews punished a mistake by Maine Road goalkeeper Ryan Livesey.

Ian Willis headed over from Sam Marshall’s corner, while John Bennett’s low attempt was saved at full-stretch by the home team’s custodian.

Maine Road missed a chance to level when Matthew Morgan’s pass sent Connor Hughes clear, but his shot was too close to Donlan.

Vics continued to look more likely to score early in the second period, and Livesey was again called into action to deny Marshall following fine approach play by Yaw Gyimah.

The visitors suffered a blow when defender Antony Shinks sustained a leg injury, and the hosts took advantage when ex-Northwich striker Jordan Bove swept in after Jack Langford nodded a cross into his path.

Donlan used his fingertips to tip the front man’s next attempt over the bar before Hughes fired in a decisive goal after he was afforded too much time to pick his spot with eight minutes left.

Wilkes added: “The game changed after Anthony came off.

“However if we could have scored a second goal shortly after half-time then we would have held on for three points.”

Vics | Donlan (GK), Willis, Shinks (Lawrence 60), Lawton, McDonnell, Bennett (Cobley 87), Fitton, Dale (Pino 46), Gyimah, Matthews, Marshall Subs not used Turnbull, Shaw Goal Matthews 3 Booked Bennett

Attendance 65