A MIKE Heverin goal 15 minutes from time gave Northwich Vics Reserves a vital 1-0 win in Saturday's top-of-the-table clash against leaders Southport.

Both sides tried to play expressive football, but chances were few and far between in a battling first half.

The best of these fell to Southport's Lee Trundle, who hit a good left-foot drive which was well saved by Paul Williams in the Vics goal.

Nick Boothby had Vics' best chance of the half, but he headed over following a cross from Chris Royle.

After an opening half-hour in which Southport's midfield dominated, James Birdsey and Paul Buckley started to get a grip and Vics created increased pressure, resulting in a number of wasted corners.

Vics started the second half as they had finished the first, and on 53 minutes Jordan Burke's free-kick from near the left corner flag was headed over the bar by Boothby.

In the 75th minute Vics' pressure finally told, with Heverin scoring from close range following a good cross by ex-Southport reserve player Burke.

More chances came Vics' way in the last 10 minutes as they dominated the play, with Buckley dribbling past two defenders before hitting a post with his shot.

Vics: Williams, Brough, Royle, Birdsey, Walsh, Boothby, Thomas, Buckley, Poland, Heverin, Burke. Subs used: Logan, Capper.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.