BROTHERS Matthew and Joe Woolley both scored for 1874 Northwich as they eased to victory against St Helens on Tuesday.

The latter, a teenage forward signed on dual registration from Market Drayton Town, was making his first appearance for the club as a second-half substitute.

His goal, nine minutes from time, settled the outcome of a contest the visitors controlled.

They led when Danny Thomas headed in Neil Chappell’s cross at the back post midway through the opening period.

Ryan Mitchell then stabbed in from close range to double their advantage, this time after Matthew Ward had supplied a centre.

Chappell went closest to adding a third before the break, but goalkeeper Rory Crowther saved his drive at full stretch.

The home team had a way back into the game when Kristian Bell punished Matthew Conkie for not clearing the ball, sending it into an empty goal after picking the 1874 custodian’s pocket.

Matthew Beadle, making his first start in more than two months, tested Crowther from Paul Connor’s cross, then Joe Woolley did the same following an impressive dribble.

He did not miss on 81 minutes, converting Ryan Stewart’s free kick with a header.

Ward was denied a deserved goal following a mazy run that took him past five defenders, only for another to divert his shot to safety.

A fourth goal did arrive with a minute left, this time captain Matthew Woolley driving past Crowther from 25 yards.

They remain fourth in the Premier Division table, but have closed to within two points of Ashton Athletic.

Ian Street’s men have six games in hand on their rivals too.

St Helens Crowther (GK), Halpin, Hont, Falconer, Morris, Davidson, McKay (Findlay 83), Birchall, Bell, Rushton-Woods (Smith-Cunningham 84), Richardson (Golding 63) Subs not used Whelan, Cook-Hannah Goal Bell 57 Booked Davidson

1874 Conkie (GK), Connor (Crofts 86), Duckworth, Mitchell, Thomas, Chappell, Matthew Woolley, Lunn (Joe Woolley 70), Beadle (Wellstead 77), Ward, Stewart Subs not used Bayley, Bowyer Goals Thomas 20, Mitchell 24, Joe Woolley 81, Matthew Woolley 89 Booked Chappell

Referee David Fisher

Attendance 127

Additional reporting by Brian Edge