HAVING lost their previous three league games, a livelier 1874 Northwich picked up three points at the Arbories.

Scott McGowan, on his return from a brief sojourn at Congleton, netted the 89th-minute killer goal to ensure a first league game in charge for Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison ended as a winning one.

Tom Bailey’s 30th strike of the season had put 1874 ahead for a second time, following an equaliser from Kieron Pickup that gave the hosts momentum in the second half.

Before Ryan Mitchell’s opener, Jason Carey headed narrowly wide from a Sam Hare free kick and Tyler Edwards curled a shot which Padiham keeper Mike Donlan claimed at the second attempt.

Chris Turner flashed a free kick across 1874’s goal but the deadlock was broken in the 16th minute.

Bailey drilled a free kick low past the defensive wall, Donlan could only divert the ball into the path of Mitchell who hit the mark from close range.

Padiham, playing down the slope, ended the half on top but could not find a way past a resolute rearguard led by Mitchell and the safe handling of goalkeeper Greg Hall, who caught several crosses and pulled off a couple of good saves.

In the opening minutes of the second half Joe Woolley sliced a shot wide before Hall was forced to punch a corner clear from under his crossbar.

The home side drew level soon after.

Dean’s cross found Pickup on the far side of box and, holding off defenders’ challenges, he shot high into the roof of the net.

Hall had to be alert to keep out shots from Alex Murphy and Jake Townsend before McGowan and Sam Hind were introduced from the bench in the 58th minute.

Bailey, in the act of shooting, was denied by desperate defenders and a scrambling Donlan managed to keep out McGowan’s hooked effort after he was picked out by Hind.

With the tide turned, 1874 regained the advantage in the 65th minute.

Padiham could only clear a corner as far as Mark Jones whose pass enabled Bailey to turn and fire home.

Although Padiham stepped up their search for an equaliser, McGowan settled matters.

Hare won the ball on the halfway line and Bailey released McGowan to race into the Padiham penalty area before calmly slotting home.

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor, Russell, Mitchell, Lever, Hare, Joe Woolley (Bove 86), Mark Jones, Bailey, Carey (McGowan 58), Edwards (Hind 58) Subs not used Matthew Woolley, Whitlock

Attendance 244