BEN Harrison, a former fans favourite at Witton Albion, scored twice on Tuesday to end 1874 Northwich’s hopes of reaching the Cheshire FA Senior Cup semi-finals for the first time.

The Dabbers, in contention to reach the promotion play-offs in the Northern Premier League’s top-flight, were comfortable victors against Ian Street’s side in the end.

They assumed control early on, and caused confusion in the visitors’ penalty area from an early corner.

Sean Cooke and Ryan Brooke tried their luck from distance, prompting 1874 goalkeeper Greg Hall to make a smart save on both occasions.

However the custodian could do nothing to prevent Harrison from putting the Dabbers in front four minutes before the break when he headed in from a corner.

Northwich responded swiftly though, and Tyler Edwards restored parity when he turned and shot through a crowd of players past net-minder Dan Gyollai.

However their hopes of causing an upset were hit early in the second period when Brooke swapped passes with Joe Mwasile before firing in a second Nantwich goal.

And they added to their advantage on the hour when Harrison glanced a perfectly-placed header into the net from Cooke’s set-piece.

1874 toiled to find a way back into the contest, although they did not force Gyollai to dirty his gloves again.

Nantwich | Gyollai (GK), White (Bourne 63), Touray, Joel Stair, Harrison, Sam Hall, Durnin (Cotterell 51), Riley (Howell 59), Brooke, Cooke, Mwasile Subs not used Burzynski (GK), Griggs Goals Harrison 41, 59 Brooke 51

1874 | Greg Hall (GK), Connor, Russell, Mitchell, Farnworth, Hare, Douglas (Kennerley 62), Matthew Woolley, McGowan, Edwards (Carey 82), Joe Woolley Subs not used Mark Jones, Bailey Goal Edwards 43

Referee Darren Rogers

Attendance 218      

Match report by Garry Clarke

Northwich Guardian:

1874 Northwich striker Scott McGowan shapes to shoot during Tuesday night's Cheshire FA Senior Cup clash with Nantwich Town. Picture: M Darlington Photography