NORTHWICH Victoria have risen to sixth position in the North West Counties League’s Premier Division following a third successive win.

They had to be patient, and were rewarded with second-half goals for Joel Brownhill and a first for Darrhyl Mason following his transfer from Glossop.

There had been little to choose between the teams before the break.

Billy Whittle headed narrowly over from Mason’s cross, while at the other end Carl Grimshaw and then Mark Adams both sent powerful efforts whistling past an upright.

Vics were brighter after the interval, and Brownhill prompted Charnock Richard goalkeeper Adam Halton to turn his attempt around an upright after he had turned smartly.

Steve Wilkes’ men were encouraged on 61 minutes after Mark Woods, perhaps fortunate not to be dismissed for a crude tackle on Brownhill earlier, was booked for a second time when he pulled back Mason.

However the home team were spurred initially and Northwich custodian Danny Taberner tipped over an effort from Adams after Grimshaw had nodded down.

The net-minder was alert too when he scrambled back to clear a defensive header as it rolled towards the net.

A breakthrough arrived on 69 minutes when Harvey Whyte picked out Brownhill and he converted with a volley.

Substitute Jordan Darr made an impact when he cut inside from the left touchline and forced Halton to parry after drifting away from defenders who tried to stop him.

Mason was alert to reach the loose ball, and slid in to double Vics’ lead.

Charnock replacement Joe Noblet was thwarted by another impressive save from Taberner before Northwich were also reduced to 10 men following Kirtis Monson’s late tackle on Ross O’Farrell.

There was a flicker of hope for the home team when Grimshaw scrambled in from a corner but they ran out of time to conjure an equaliser.

Charnock | Halton (GK), Woods, Walker, Turner, Schofield, O’Farrell, Adams (Noblet 79), Fairhurst, Grimshaw, Carsley (Bibby 71), Higham (Oxley 79) Sub not used Young Goal Grimshaw 90 (+3) Booked Woods, O’Farrell, Grimshaw Sent off Woods (second caution)

Vics | Taberner (GK), Craig, Barski, Fitzgerald, Monson, Whittle, Cooke, Whyte, Brownhill (Pilgrim 87), Matthews (Darr 74), Mason (Muir 90) Subs not used Clarke, Doran Goals Brownhill 69, Mason 78 Booked Cooke Sent off Monson (foul)

Attendance 114

Additional reporting by Pete Tonge