1874 NORTHWICH, without a victory since lifting the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup, secured a top-four finish when they ended that three-match sequence on Saturday.

However a victory for Atherton Collieries means they can’t now place third like last season.

Ian Street’s side were comfortable against opponents who are the Premier Division’s back-markers with three matches of the campaign left.

Tyler Edwards twice went close with well-struck shots, while Ryan Jackson headed over from a corner during the early exchanges.

Mike Brandon then fired high after Edwards had pinched the ball from goalkeeper Adam Caunce.

An opening goal arrived on 17 minutes when Jackson, unmarked at the far post, met Brandon’s cross on the volley.

Despite their precarious position, Blackpool showed spirit.

Jack Williams was unlucky when his attempt from an acute angle hit an upright, while custodian Greg Hall dived full stretch to tip Aaron Fleming’s drive to safety.

1874 doubled their lead before the break, this time when Stuart Wellstead finished emphatically after running onto Danny Thomas’ perfectly-weighted pass.

He was denied a second goal when Caunce recovered quickly after fumbling his strike direct from a free kick.

Brandon made it 3-0 shortly after the interval, turning and shooting in the same movement after receiving the ball with his back to the target.

George Riley, plus substitutes Jack Woolley and Corey Mason, went close to adding to the hosts’ tally, while Caunce saved smartly another Brandon effort.

The visitors were awarded a penalty with two minutes left, only for Hall to block Charlie Waters’ strike from the spot.

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor, James, Mitchell, Thomas, Riley, Jackson (Jack Woolley 46), Matthew Woolley, Brandon, Edwards, Wellstead (Mason 74) Subs not used Beadle, Farnworth Goals Jackson 17, Wellstead 45, Brandon 49 Booked Jackson, Jack Woolley

Blackpool | Caunce (GK), Richardson, Betteridge, Carroll, Ford, Taylor, Waters, Wilkes (Trushell 57), Williams, Muscroft, Fleming Booked Carroll, Muscroft

Referee Daniel Hitchell      

Attendance 216

Additional reporting by Garry Clarke