1874 Northwich returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 home victory over bottom-of-the-table Widnes FC at the weekend.

It was an almost perfect result for the Greens, who were celebrating 10 years since their formation, with Joe Woolley and Jack Marrow netting the goals.

Northwich now sit in sixth place in Northern Premier League West, just one point outside of the play-off spots.

From the off, 1874 looked determined to put to bed a disappointing run of four games without a win.

The home side flew out of the blocks when, straight from kick off, Joe Woolley dribbled directly past the startled Widnes midfield and played Jamal Crawford in down the right-hand side.

His cross bounced back to Woolley, but his effort from just outside the box was easily gathered.

But 1874 were not to be denied as they took the lead in the second minute.

Tricky winger Mackenzie O’Neill received the ball in the left channel, cut inside and clipped the ball into the path of Woolley, who brought the ball down and smashed it home with his left foot.

The Greens continued to attack with purpose after the opener and they were rewarded for their dominant spell in the 33rd minute.

Josh Quarless displayed brilliant link-up play, turning and slotting in O’Neill who had made a bursting run in behind the Widnes backline.

The number 11 picked up his second assist as he worked the space to cut inside and laid the ball off to man-of-the-match right-back Marrow, who slotted the ball home first time with his left foot into the bottom right.

In the 37th minute, 1874 had multiple chances to extend their lead to 3-0. A header from Quarless was brilliantly saved and the rebound fell to O’Neill but his shot was smothered by the Widnes number one.

The away side showed no attacking prowess in the first half and they deservedly went into the break 2-0 down.

Their first attempt of the game was a long shot in the 48th minute, which flew straight over the bar.

Despite sustained pressure from Widnes, they were unable to create many clear-cut chances and the Greens were in complete control of the tie.

The third quarter brought minimal incidents of note, however a frantic five-minute period saw a vital goal-line block by Liam Buckley in the 68th minute and a controversial straight red card given to Mark Jones in the 72nd. The 1874 defender slid in and won the ball following a heavy touch, and the home fans were outraged at the referee’s decision.

1874 ended the game with nine men, as Jack Irlam picked up his second yellow card for a late challenge in the 87th minute.

However, despite the game threatening to spiral out of control, co-manager Wayne Goodison was pleased with how the team reacted and praised the boys for a much-needed win.

The Greens make the long trip up to Cumbria on Saturday when they will potentially be without Jones (unless an appeal is successful) and Irlam for a clash with high-flying Workington.