BRIGHOUSE Town suffered a narrow Evo-Stik League defeat to Northwich Victoria as the hosts snatched top spot on a day of postponements and drama in Division One North.

The Vics, who play their home games at Flixton's ground in Manchester, were fourth going into the clash with Paul Quinn's men but leapt to the summit thanks to a 1-0 win.

Town battled well and put in a tremendous team performance, probably deserving something from the game.

But Michael Clarke's 24th-minute strike was enough to see Northwich bank a maximum haul which which left Brighouse still in 12th spot.

FARSLEY remain fifth, in the play-off places, despite their home game against Bamber Bridge falling foul of the freezing overnight temperatures.

Only two of the top five sides played – new pacesetters Northwich and fourth-placed Droylsden, who surprising lost at Radcliffe Borough.

Droylsden are only three points better off than Farsley but have now played three games more.

Neil Parsley's men have a two-point cushion over Scarborough Athletic, the team immediately below them in the table, but have a game in hand.

The biggest threat to Farsley losing their position in the play-off zone are Saturday's scheduled opponents Bamber Bridge, who are two points worse off but have a game in hand.

Parsley's men were denied any action on the day they announced the signing of former Sunderland, Blackpool and Scunthorpe United midfielder Andy Welsh and that goalkeeper Tom Taylor had joined Kyle Hancock on contract at Throstle Nest.

The club said in a statement: "Andy joins after leaving FC United of Manchester last month.

"Andy joined Premier League club Sunderland in 2004 and made 25 appearances for the Black Cats, with two spells on loan at Leicester during his time there.

"He went on to have spells with Toronto, Blackpool and Yeovil – where he made 113 appearances before leaving in 2011. Andy then spent two years with Carlisle United and was most recently with League Two side Scunthorpe last season.

"Andy's experience should provide a great boost to the squad as we enter an important stage of the season.

"We are also pleased to announce the signing on contract forms of goalkeeper Tom Taylor. Tom becomes the second player to sign on contract for the club after Kyle Hancock did so last week.

"Even though the home match with Bamber Bridge was called off, it has proved to be a busy day at Throstle Nest.

"The management of the club are delighted to have signed Tom on contract after his brilliant start to the season, which has seen him keep seven clean sheets."