1874 Northwich can't stop Colne securing the North West Counties League Premier Division title

Danny Boyle’s goal with seven minutes left separated the sides, condemning Runcorn Linnets – 4-0 victors at Padiham – to the runners-up position for a third successive season.

Ian Street’s side had already made secure fourth place.

Few chances were created in the opening period, with goalkeeper Greg Hall alert to deny Boyle with a boot on 11 minutes.

At the other end, Mike Brandon dragged one attempt wide before heading another over the bar from close range before the break.

1874 applied pressure in the second half; Matthew Beadle’s goal-bound attempt was blocked by a defender, while Colne custodian Nosakhare Aghayere held on to Tyler Edwards’ shot.

The visitors assumed control after that, and Boyle held off Craig Farnworth before shooting narrowly off-target.

There was a moment of confusion when Farnworth tangled with Ben Wharton when they chased a long ball but, after both players had fallen to the ground in the penalty area, an assistant ruled the Colne attacker had committed a foul.

Colne’s travelling support celebrated the goal they craved on 83 minutes, when substitute Joel Melia raided down the right.

He then cut back for Boyle, whose shot had too much force for Hall to keep it out.

Wharton ought to have settled the outcome, only to blaze high in the last minute.

However 1874 could not conjure a leveller, instead falling to a third defeat in their past five Premier Division matches.

1874 | Hall (GK), Jack Woolley, Mason (Brooks 59), Matthew Woolley, Farnworth, Chappell (Simpson 88), Jackson, Edwards (Riley 82), Beadle, Brandon, Wellstead Sub not used Lomas Booked Chappell

Colne | Aghayere (GK), Craig, Pugh, Coleman, Morrison, Nangle, Jordan, Anderson, Wharton, Boyle (Taylor 88), Morning (Melia 70) Subs not used Stockdale, Hoskin, Burgess Goal Boyle 83 Booked Jordan, Wharton, Melia

Referee Aaron Jackson

Attendance 539

Additional reporting by Garry Clarke