1874 Northwich 2 Barnoldswick Town 1

1874 Northwich survived a late comeback to defeat Barnoldswick Town and leapfrog their opponents into fourth place in the Premier Division.

Mike Brandon and Matt Beadle efforts were enough to seal Ian Street’s men three points, despite a late reply from Tom Henderson.

Barnoldswick goalkeeper Jordan Gidley held onto a curling Ryan Jackson shot, while Brandon flashed a volley wide of the target and for the visitors John Beckwith headed against the post early on.

1874 opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Jackson drove the ball across the face of the Barlick goal into the path of Brandon, who finished with ease from close range.

The hosts went close to doubling their advantage moments later when Beadle shot across goal and Stuart Wellstead was denied by a brave Gidley save.

There was no denying Beadle on the hour mark though, as he guided a Wellstead cross into the Barlick net to double 1874’s lead.

Home keeper Matt Conkie had to be alert to beat Ben Gorman to a through ball as Barnoldswick launched a later comeback.

And 1874’s resolute defence was breached in the 88th minute when Henderson swept home from six yards.

1874 Conkie (GK), Connor, James, Woolley, Thomas, Brandon, Wellstead, Kirk, Beadle (Haughton 81), Ward, Jackson Subs not used McNichol, Mason, Crawley, Lomas

Additional reporting by Garry Clarke