1874 NORTHWICH proved too strong for lowly Abbey Hey, recording a fifth win in seven Premier Division games this season.

Ian Street’s men rise to seventh in the standings as a reward, with matches in hand on each of the teams above them.

This was as comfortable a win as the result suggests, with the hosts imposing themselves from the start.

New recruit Neil Chappell, signed from league rivals Glossop North End, twice shot without power early on before Matthew Beadle’s drive from distance forced Abbey goalkeeper Jon McIlwaine to save.

Matthew Woolley shot wide, while at the other end fit-again custodian Matthew Conkie denied Sam Fitzgerald with a fine intervention.

Jamie Tandy’s cross was headed firmly by Beadle, but too close to McIlwaine as 1874 dominated.

Conkie thwarted Paul Smith when the visitors made a rare foray forward before a breakthrough arrived in the minutes before half time.

Lee Duckworth’s well-struck free kick was diverted for a corner, from which Beadle headed across goal for Woolley to re-direct the ball into the net.

The pattern did not deviate after half time.

On 55 minutes Lee Jones, making his first start of the campaign after recovering from a knee injury suffered in the summer, supplied a pass for Beadle.

His lob evaded McIlwaine, but dropped inches past a post.

Chappell and Jones then combined to set up Matthew Ward, who danced around the visitors’ net-minder before slotting in a second goal.

In complete control, the hosts almost added another shortly afterwards when Tandy drilled too high after Chappell, Ward and Jones had swapped passes.

Ward chipped off target before a match-clinching third goal arrived on 68 minutes.

This time Tandy’s assist invited Beadle to apply a decisive touch from close range, the in-form forward notching a ninth goal of term.

1874 Conkie (GK) Woods (Abdullah 75), Duckworth, Thomas, Aston, Chappell, Lee Jones (Bailey 80), Woolley, Beadle (Brandon 78), Ward, Tandy Subs not used Fossdyke (GK), Short Goals Woolley 43, Ward 59, Beadle 68

Abbey McIlwaine (GK), Lawrence, Hewitt, Flanagan, Samms (Burywood 64), Smith, Hardy, Shaw, Sam Jones (Offori 61), Fitzgerald (Varela 68), Harney Subs not used Collins, Mason

Referee James Madine (Liverpool)

Attendance 278