SCOTT McGowan scored a hat-trick on Tuesday night to send 1874 Northwich through to the next round of the Cheshire FA Senior Cup at the expense of his former club.

Winger Ryan Jackson hit the net too on his first appearance of the campaign after recovering from a knee injury.

The visitors had to come from behind though, conceding the first goal when Jonathan Hurst’s shot crept past goalkeeper Greg Hall after he had escaped Danny Thomas’ attention.

Ian Street’s side were soon level though, McGowan shooting with power into the bottom corner after Sam Hind’s pass had sent him clear.

A second goal arrived on 55 minutes when Jackson guided the ball home with his chest from close range after controlling another Hind assist.

Joe Woolley was introduced as a substitute, joining older brothers Matt and Jack on the field, and he almost added a third for the visitors after dribbling past his marker.

However a Bears defender blocked his goal-bound effort on the slide.

The outcome was settled with eight minutes left when McGowan’s looped attempt deflected off a back-marker before finding the net via an upright.

He completed a personal treble in the contest’s closing seconds, applying a stylish finishing touch to a rehearsed free kick routine.

Congleton | Heywood (GK), Middleton, Pritchard, Ben Alston, Trimble, Bathgate (Matthews 79), Gardner (Baker 62), Sephton, Hurst, Haynes, Lowe (Fletcher 60) Subs not used Kirby, Andrew Alston Goal Hurst 30

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor (Joe Woolley 70), Russell, Mitchell, Thomas, Chappell, Hind, Matthew Woolley, McGowan, Jackson (Tom Bailey 75), Jack Woolley Sub not used Tulloch Goals McGowan 31, 82, 90 Jackson 55

Referee Ian Hurdle

Attendance 148

Match report by Jack Owen