WARRINGTON Town have gone nine points clear at the top of Evo-Stik First Division North on a night their closest rivals have lost the services of their manager.

The Yellows' 2-0 win at Brighouse Town tonight leaves second-placed Northwich Victoria, who have four games in hand, playing catch-up and they will have to do so without boss Jim Gannon.

Vics' 4-2 loss to Town on Saturday was Gannon's last in charge as he has tonight been confirmed as the new manager at his former club Stockport County.

Joe Holt came off the bench to score, three minutes later, the crucial second goal that killed off Brighouse in the 83rd minute.

Skipper Ciaran Kilheeney had given Shaun Reid's the lead two minutes into the second period.