BRAD Inman’s flash of brilliance separated 1874 Northwich from hosts Crewe Alexandra in the Cheshire FA Senior Cup on Tuesday.

The midfielder’s dazzling dribble through the visitors’ defence ended with a decisive shot past goalkeeper Matthew Conkie that sets up a quarter-final date with Macclesfield.

Ian Street’s men, playing a competitive match for the first time in more than three weeks, can be happy with their display at Gresty Road.

They created the best chance of the opening period, but Crewe custodian Liam Matthews thwarted Stuart Wellstead after Matthew Ward had sent the wide man clear.

The hosts went close too, but Chris Atkinson was wasteful when heading over from close range while Conkie saved smartly to deny Liam Nolan – twice – and Inman.

When he was beaten, Ryan Mitchell cleared a goal-bound attempt from Billy Waters off the line following a well-worked corner at the start of the second half.

Marcus Haber then fluffed a simple headed chance from George Cooper’s cross as Crewe continued to look more likely scorers.

Inman found a way through on 70 minutes, picking up the ball 30 yards from goal before embarking on a solo run that was rewarded with the game’s only goal.

There was time for Conkie to block a Cooper shot with his legs, but the Railwaymen protected their lead to progress to the last eight.

1874 Conkie (GK), Connor (Lunn 82), Bayley, Mitchell, Duckworth, Chappell, Woods (Short 73), Stewart, Brandon, Ward, Wellstead Subs not used Bowyer, McGrath, Crofts

Referee Thomas Kirk

Attendance 332 

Additional reporting by Brian Edge