HISTORY repeated for 1874 Northwich as Sam Hind again scored a decisive goal in a meeting with Hanley Town.

His strike had separated the teams in their previous meeting back in September, and Ian Street’s side were made to suffer before they could celebrate victory.

The attacker kept calm to slide the ball past goalkeeper Joseph Hemmings after running onto Tom Bailey’s pass within seconds of the restart after half-time.

However they had to protect their lead a man down following captain Mark Jones’ dismissal after he hauled down Angelo Errico on 65 minutes.

1874 had already lost Danny Thomas by then, the defender leaving the field with a suspected crack to an eye socket after colliding with an opponent.

Theo Stair swerved a free kick narrowly wide, but skipper Martin Stanyer fluffed Hanley’s best chance when he scooped over the crossbar from inside the six-yard box with the final touch of the game.

1874 enjoyed more possession in the first half, although Stair sounded a warning when he fired high.

He was then stopped in shooting stride by a sliding Ryan Mitchell on his 150th appearance for the club.

Dan Cope headed into the side netting, while Mark Jones deflected an Errico attempt off-target.

Hind was denied by a well-timed tackle after Jason Carey had picked him out, while Bailey – off balance – dragged a shot wide after Lee Jones played him in.

Scott McGowan also steered wide when Bailey turned provider, them Hemmings saved low after the latter drilled through a crowd of players.

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor, Russell, Mitchell, Thomas (Waldron 57), Carey, Lee Jones, Mark Jones, Bailey, McGowan (Hare 70), Hind Subs not used Edwards, Matthew Woolley, Whitlock Goal Hind 46 Booked Lee Jones, Russell, Bailey Sent off Mark Jones

Hanley | Hemmings (GK), Goldstraw, Sheldon (Higham 77), Bristow, Blowers, Stanyer, Errico, Mellor, Mountford, Stair, Cope (Ashton 75) Subs not used Omibeku, Johnson Booked Goldstraw, Bristow

Referee Nik Storey

Attendance 245

Match report by Garry Clarke