1874 NORTHWICH ended a four-match sequence without a win in style as they progressed to the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup last four on Tuesday.

Stuart Tulloch and Ryan Jackson, both former Rudheath players, scored a brace each before substitute Mike Brandon – another to have represented the Cheshire League club previously – added gloss with a free kick in added time.

However the hosts’ passage was not an entirely smooth one; Matthew Ward limped off injured in the first half, adding his name to a lengthening list of potential absentees for Saturday’s league encounter with Bootle.

Rudheath goalkeeper Scott Lodge made a smart save to stop Elliot Ledwards’ header during the early exchanges, but he could not prevent Tulloch from stooping to convert Ryan Jackson’s corner midway through the first half.

A second goal arrived on 38 minutes, when Jackson sent a sweetly-struck shot into the bottom corner from Brandon’s headed assist.

The visitors had a chance to halve their arrears when Craig Millington escaped into space, but he diverted the ball straight at custodian Matthew Conkie when teammates were better-placed.

Millington was wasteful after the interval too, missing the target with his shot after Paul Alcock and Andy Whitney combined.

1874 scored a third goal, settling the outcome, on 58 minutes when Jackson fired home.

Buoyed, Ian Street’s men made it 4-0 after Tulloch finished coolly when face-to-face with Lodge.

He was then replaced by Elliot Watkins, the first player to be promoted from the club’s newly-formed under 21s side into the first team.

Brandon’s perfectly-placed free kick provided a final flourish for the hosts.

1874 | Conkie (GK), Connor (Mason 74), James, Stadnicki, Thomas, McNichol, Jackson, Woolley, Tulloch (Watkins 78), Ward (Brandon 28), Ledwards Subs not used Leah, Williams (GK) Goals Tulloch 22, 71 Jackson 38, 58 Brandon 90

Rudheath | Lodge (GK), Didsbury, Bryning, Whitlow, Shaun Alcock, Paul Alcock, Clarke (Stockton), Latham, Whitney, Millington (Collins), Tierney Subs not used McDonald, Lyons, Morana

Referee Tom Elliot

Attendance 108

Additional reporting by Jack Owen