MATTHEW Beadle scored five goals to help resurgent 1874 Northwich celebrate a record league victory.

They closed to within seven points of the Premier Division’s top three after ending a six-match unbeaten run for Padiham, who could muster no reply.

The visitors’ leading scorer found the net, aided by a defender’s deflection, on 13 minutes after Ryan Jackson supplied a pass.

And a second followed shortly afterwards, this time when the 27-year-old reacted swiftly to reach first a ball that had rebounded off the crossbar.

Beadle then turned provider, guiding the ball into Stuart Wellstead’s path with his heel.

His fellow forward shot with power through goalkeeper Jamie Bradley’s legs. 

George Riley fired over from distance before 1874 added to their advantage when Beadle, on target now in five successive matches, found the net with a header from close range.

He repeated the trick before half-time to make it 5-0.

Another man in form, the Storks’ Aaron Taylor, scooped over from six yards when the hosts’ created their clearest opening.

They improved in the second period, when Garry Hunter sent a drive against the woodwork.

Interval substitute Kieron Pickup and Jake Townsend went close too.

The visitors assumed control again though, and stand-in skipper Neil Chappell was thwarted in shooting stride by a defender’s perfectly-timed tackle.

Wellstead notched his second of the contest on 63 minutes, shooting forcefully from eight yards after Beadle cushioned Jackson’s cross in his direction.

Beadle completed the scoring during the closing stages, diving to convert with his head a cross from substitute Robbie Simpson – a winger who has played for both Cuddington and Rudheath this season.

The youngster is also the first member of 1874’s newly-formed under 21s side to play in a league game.

Padiham | Bradley (GK), Farrow (Scott 83), Bamba (Pickup 46), Emmott (West 79), Fowler, Cross, Murphy, Hunger, Taylor, Cookson, Townsend Subs not used Donlon (GK), Botham

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor (Mason 78), Lomas, Mitchell (Farnworth 83), Thomas, Chappell, Jackson (Simpson 80), Riley, Beadle, Edwards, Wellstead Sub not used Jack Woolley Goals Beadle 13, 20, 37, 45, 86 Wellstead 23, 62

Referee Michael Barlow

Attendance 245

Additional reporting by Garry Clarke