HANLEY Town had the table’s top spot in their sights on Tuesday, but 1874 Northwich were having none of it.

Instead a side managed by Wayne Goodison and Paul Bowyer extended a winning run in all competitions to eight matches.

And they did so without leading goal-scorer Scott McGowan, ruled out by a hamstring injury.

His stand-in, Kyle Riley, put the home team in front.

Adam Whitlock and Sam Hind combined on the right flank, and the former Winsford United captain turned in a cross at the near-post.

It was a just reward for 1874’s first-half efforts.

They had spurned a chance to go ahead in the ninth minute when Jake Parker was fouled in the penalty area, only for Whitlock’s spot-kick to be saved easily by goalkeeper Thomas Cawley.

Lee Jackson later linked with Riley and Hind to create an opening for the latter, but his effort lacked the force to trouble the away team’s custodian.

Mark Jones’ shot was blocked by a defender, while at the other end Theo Stair’s attempt from distance was saved by Greg Hall.

A breakthrough arrived through Riley, and Northwich almost doubled their lead when Hind collected Cawley’s poor clearance only for the number one to recover in time to divert the attacker’s shot.

Hind was denied a goal at the back-post early in the second-half when a defender kept out his attempt.

Jones’ header was stopped by Cawley, while at the other end Stair kept Hall on his toes.

Hanley’s net-minder kept out an attempt by Jake Parker before 1874 made safe maximum points with six minutes left when captain Matthew Woolley converted from the spot – his third goal of the campaign.

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor, Lee Jackson, Pritchard, Mitchell, Jones, Whitlock, Matthew Woolley, Riley, Parker (Kennerley 77), Hind Subs not used Lever, Woods, Waite-Jackson, Thomas Goals Riley 37, Matthew Woolley 84 (penalty) Booked Mitchell (foul)

Referee Daniel Issawi

Attendance 184