NORTHWICH Victoria began a quest they hope ends in promotion by recording a convincing win at West Didsbury & Chorlton.

It was not a cruise without a diversion – they let slip a two-goal lead and lost Joel Brownhill to injury before the break – but they still ran out worthy victors.

A side that included eight new recruits making their debut took the lead inside 10 minutes when Billy Whittle glanced in Rob Doran’s cross.

And they added to that early advantage when Brownhill exploited hesitation between goalkeeper Henry Turner and defender Matt Eckersley to run clear.

The former Ashton Athletic striker’s initial attempt was saved, but he converted clinically from the rebound.

His afternoon ended early when he was forced off shortly afterwards and West were boosted when Nicky Platt’s half-volley found the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

And they celebrated again on 54 minutes when Rory Breslin tapped in from Josh Stachini’s corner, making it 2-2.

It jolted Vics, who edged in front again when Joe Camozzi fired a shot past Turner following a lightning raid down the right.

The hosts were deflated further only moments later when Turner inexplicably allowed Camozzi’s cross through his hands to gift Stuart McDonald the simplest of opportunities to score.

Substitute John Connolly carved open West’s backline with a pass that gave McDonald another chance, but his attempt was too close to Turner.

And the end result was the same when Connolly served another replacement, Joe Whittington, following his introduction.

Doran claimed a goal his display deserve when he converted another assist from Connolly before West reduced the deficit when Saul Henderson tucked away Matty Kay’s cross with virtually the final kick of the game.

West | Turner (GK), Gleave (Brew-Butler 77), Cooper, Botchey (Pragnell 85), Breslin, Eckersley, Platt, Rogers, Henderson, Kay, Stachini (Bailey 59) Subs not used Culkin (GK), Banya Goals Platt 45 (+2), Breslin 54, Henderson 90 (+3) Booked Gleave

Vics | Neild (GK), Camozzi, Barski, Kenny, Monson, Whittle (Bickett 86), Craig, Cooke, Brownhill(Connolly 37), Doran, McDonald (Whittington 75) Subs not used Gorman, Shinks Goals Whittle 9, Brownhill 32, Camozzi 56, McDonald 59, Doran 90 (+1) Booked Camozzi, Cooke

Attendance 328

Additional reporting by Jamie Dewsbury