1874 NORTHWICH have Colne, their closest rivals for a top-three finish this season, to thank for finding their mojo again.

Since they were humbled at home by the Reds last month, Ian Street’s men have scored 21 goals in a six-match unbeaten sequence, winning the past four.

Instead of petering out, their campaign appears invigorated.

Matthew Beadle, as he so often is, was a catalyst as 1874 swatted aside Silsden.

From the moment he blasted with force past goalkeeper Daniel Thorpe, the hosts did not look back.

They had eased through the opening half an hour beforehand, not in danger defensively but without posing enough of an attacking threat themselves.

Beadle repeated the trick before half time, his powerful header from Matthew Ward’s corner a 26th goal of an impressive first season at Barton Stadium.

Silsden sounded a warning when Craig Nicholls scampered clear, but custodian Matthew Conkie blocked his shot with a boot.

Within seconds the visitors had been reduced to 10 men when full back Connor Erangey, harshly cautioned for kicking the ball away, was booked once more for scything down Paul Connor.

1874, who hit the net half a dozen times against Bacup at the weekend, went on to match that feat.

Neil Chappell was denied by Thorpe’s brave smothering save shortly after half time, though Danny Thomas’ looping header – from Chappell’s cross – was placed perfectly out of the Silsden shot-stopper’s reach from the resulting corner.

Not to be denied, Chappell made it 4-0 with a low drive from the edge of the box on the hour.

Silsden’s night was soured further when Dale Feather was shown a red card by referee Shaun Mohan as punishment for using foul and abusive language.

1874 continued to attack, and Thorpe was alert to prevent substitute Stuart Wellstead from converting Elliot Ledwards clipped assist on 75 minutes.

The visitors’ net-minder’s evening ended early when he sustained a rib injury following a collision with a teammate, leaving replacement Joe Jalil – a midfielder – to put on his gloves.

He was helpless to stop Ryan Mitchell’s penalty after Ward had been wrestled to the floor, or to prevent Matthew Woolley’s drilled attempt finding the bottom corner as 1874 extended their lead to 6-0.

Conkie had reason to be irked when substitute Chris Wademan steered in a consolation in added time, his fury fuelling a stunning save to deny the same player a second goal straight from the restart.

Colne, victors at Bacup, are three points adrift of 1874 with eight matches each left.

Ironically that 4-1 win in Winsford has so far hampered, and not helped, their hopes of overtaking an awake-again 1874.

1874 (3-5-2) Conkie (GK), Ryan Mitchell, Thomas (Bayley 67), Lomas, Connor, Woolley, Chappell, Ward, Ledwards, Everall (Wellstead 58), Beadle (Lunn 77) Subs not used Brandon, Stewart Goals Beadle 30, 41 Thomas 50, Chappell 59, Ryan Mitchell 86 (penalty), Woolley 88

Silsden (3-5-2) Thorpe (GK) (Jalil 83), Brown, Ryan, Lamb, Moses, Joe Mitchell, Moore (Wademan 58), Feather, Erangey, Hollindrake, Nicholls (Sowerbutts 69) Subs not used none Goal Wademan 90 (+3) Booked Erangey (kicking the ball away), Moore (foul) Sent off Erangey (second caution), Feather (foul and abusive language)

Referee Shaun Mohan

Attendance 229