SUBSTITUTE Michael Wilde scored with his first touch to settle a contest that Fleetwood Town deserved to win.

He steered in fellow replacement Sean Clancy’s cross on 69 minutes to double the hosts’ lead, sending Northwich Victoria to a first defeat since September 5.

Vics had spurned chances to level before then, particularly when Michael Connor’s near post shot was stopped smartly by keeper Craig Dootson.

Former Witton Albion enforcer Steve Connors saw a header skim the crossbar at the other end, then Wilde edged the Fishermen closer to victory with a firm volley.

Connor fluffed Vics’ clearest opening, slicing wide with the goal at his mercy, then later he blasted against Dootson’s leg after sub Declan Edwards had teed him up.

Micky Mellon’s men had led at the break after Tom Cahill stooped low to guide home Jamie Mullan’s cross from the right on 13 minutes.

James Spencer’s brilliant instinctive save had denied the Fleetwood scorer only five minutes earlier, while at the other end Dootson tipped over Wayne Riley’s volley after Mat Bailey – used as a striker by manager Andy Preece in the absence of Jonny Allan – had flicked on Ian Herring’s throw.

Full match report here.

Andy Preece’s reaction here.