AT the turn of the year it seemed like mission impossible.

Just four weeks ago it looked like mission improbable.

But this week, it was mission accomplished as Steve Burr guided his Northwich Victoria side away from the threat of relegation in a great escape bettered only by Steve McQueen.

So much this season went against Burr and his battling squad.

Vics had to wait until October 16 for the first win of the season, by which time they had been docked 10 points by the Nationwide Conference for going into administration and were bottom of the league, trailing Forest Green by seven points, with a negative points tally.

A run of seven league games unbeaten at the start of the year saw Vics move out of the relegation zone and, with the move to Victoria stadium on the horizon, things looked bright.

But the move was put on hold after problems at the ground and five defeats in a row seemed to have put the first nail in Vics' coffin.

But, like Lazarus, Burr's men picked themselves up and recorded back-to-back wins against champions Barnet, Forest Green, Exeter City and Leigh to ensure a 27th consecutive season in the Conference.

Not that survival was ever really in doubt, according to Burr.

He said: "I've always been positive because at the end of the day there was nothing we could do about the points deduction.

"There were times when I thought it might be too much, but I never let that show to the players.

"It was always going to be a tough challenge and to achieve safety with three games to go was very, very satisfying."

He added: "The players have been fantastic through it all.

"I told them all at the start of the season that they could leave and find another club if they wanted.

"But they all said they wanted to stay and battle through and before the match on Saturday I thanked them all for their efforts."