MIKE Brandon’s last-minute wonder goal was a highlight as 1874 Northwich returned to third place in the table on Tuesday.

The in-form front man increased his tally to 19 for the season – 10 of those arriving since February 1 – with a stunning strike from distance that ended Runcorn Town’s resistance.

The hosts only settled a close encounter during the final quarter of an hour, when Joe Woolley converted from close range to double a lead established by Brandon’s first-half opener.

In between, Runcorn had chances.

Paul Shanley and Kris Bell were denied twice each by goalkeeper Matthew Conkie before the break, while Shanley curled another attempt against an upright.

1874 edged ahead in the seconds before the whistle, when Brandon intercepted Tom Spearritt’s weak header and stroked a smart finish past Town custodian Andrew Farrimond.

In the second half, Chris Lunn shot off-target after Farrimond’s clearance arrived at his feet.

Adam Bayley’s powerful header was held by the visitors’ net-minder before Joe Woolley was wasteful in blazing high after Brandon and substitute Ryan Stewart, on in place of injured Danny Thomas, had combined.

Stewart’s drive from distance was then saved by Farrimond with his fingertips.

The hosts finally doubled their lead on 76 minutes, when Joe Woolley swivelled and shot in a single movement after Stuart Wellstead’s centre had fallen kindly.

Runcorn full back Chris Lester was sent off as punishment for a lunging tackle in the closing stages before Brandon conjured his latest moment of magic in added time.

1874 Conkie (GK), Bayley, Ledwards, Thomas (Stewart 18), Duckworth, Matt Woolley, Lunn (Wellstead 70), Ward, Connor, Brandon, Joe Woolley Subs not used Pouncey, Abdullah, Tulloch Goals Brandon 45, 90 Joe Woolley 76 Booked Brandon

Runcorn Farrimond (GK), Spearritt (McKillop 46), Lester, Chris Dukes, James Dukes (Gibson 82), Lawton, Shanley, Keddie, Bell, Beckett (Davies 65), Houghton Subs not used Burton, Salt Booked Shanley, Bell Sent off Lester

Referee Nicholas Gibbons

Attendance 210

Additional reporting by Brian Edge