ZACK Dale scored the only goal of a game Northwich Victoria manager Steve Wilkes said neither side deserved to win.

Barlick’s star man lifted the ball past goalkeeper Danny Taberner from an angle to secure for his side a ninth successive victory in all competitions.

It left the Vics boss frustrated.

“We’re disappointed not to have scored,” said Wilkes.

“Both teams had chances, and ours were arguably better, but it was a game that had 0-0 written all over it.”

The home team had a first glimpse at goal when Joel Brownhill’s pass deflected kindly off a defender into Dom Craig’s path but he guided a shot wide of the far post.

Barlick responded, and Dale prompted Taberner to save smartly low to his right.

Vics’ number one had to be alert when Dale tried his luck again while at the other end Jordan Darr’s couldn’t control Joe Camozzi’s pass and a defender recovered.

There was a similar outcome after Barlick custodian Danny Livesey kicked the ball straight to Brian Matthews, who teed up Brownhill.

In the second-half, Darr’s downward header from Brownhill’s cross was held on the line by Livesey.

Barlick threatened next and Taberner adjusted his position to save brilliantly with a boot after Jake McEneaney’s shot had struck two defenders and squirmed towards the target.

Brownhill dragged an effort wide after the visitors had again over-elaborated while trying to clear before the game’s decisive moment with nine minutes left.

Dale accelerated to reach James Crorken’s clipped pass, steering it past Taberner as the goalkeeper rushed from his line to close him down.

Wilkes advised his players afterwards to take note of how Barnoldswick celebrated after the game.

He said: “It was strange; they were singing songs and banging on our dressing-room door.

“Obviously beating Northwich Victoria is a massive scalp for them, and we’ll remember that when we go to their place.”

Vics | Taberner (GK), Camozzi, Barski, Boon, Monson, Whyte (Whittle 78), Craig, Cooke (Clarke 72), Brownhill, Darr, Matthews Subs not used Kenny, Doran, Broughton Booked Craig

Barlick | Livesey (GK), McEneaney, Emery (Eastwood 80), Crorken, Young, Airey, Dale, Hill, Beckwith (Morgan 65), Thompson (Amos 72), Vincent Subs not used Wilson, Coop Goal Dale 81 Booked Vincent

Referee Daniel Issawi

Attendance 204