JOHN Bennett scored from a free-kick to complete a comeback by Northwich Victoria at West Didsbury & Chorlton on Tuesday.

His goal, eight minutes before the final-whistle, sends Steve Wilkes’ improving side – victors in six of their past seven matches – into the North West Counties League Premier Division’s top 10.

They dominated the first-half at Brookburn Road.

Matty Clarke’s drive from distance clipped an upright in the opening minute.

Leading goal-scorer Brian Matthews scooped over the bar from close-range after goalkeeper Aaron Ashley parried Jay Hart’s cross into his path.

Kieron Kenny’s header dropped narrowly wide from Hart’s corner, while Yaw Gyimah’s tame effort was easy for the home team’s custodian to save after Daniel McDonnell had sent him clear.

West took advantage of their guests wastefulness, and Tom Bailey put them in front after Vics net-minder Mike Donlon spilled Josh Tinker’s cross and * Sergeant nudged a loose ball the striker’s way.

Jay Hart’s angled drive restored parity early in a more even second period, his seventh goal in as many starts since signing from Padiham.

Ashley Woods half-volley from Ben Steer’s cross flashed wide before Bennett guided a set-piece past Ashley to settle the outcome in his side’s favour.

Substitute George Whyment fired straight at Donlon during the closing stages, while Bailey stretched but couldn’t make contact with Woods’ cross in the last-minute.

West | Ashley (GK), Tinker, Pritchard (Mason 79), Eiselt, Hagon, Potts, Steer, Sergeant, Bailey, Shaw (Whyment 83), Woods Subs not used Dryden (GK), Hilton Goal Bailey 41

Vics | Donlon (GK), McDonnell (Lawrence 64), Johnson, Bennett, Kenny, Barski, Clarke, Bickett, Matthews (Durnin 84), Gyimah (Walker 90), Hart Subs not used Gorman, Willis Goals Hart 56, Bennett 82

Referee Lewis Raper

Attendance 140