TOM Bailey increased his goal tally for the campaign to 31 as 1874 Northwich returning to winning ways on Tuesday.

They also shut out an opponent for the first time in more than two months.

A bright start ought to have yielded a lead when Joe Woolley and Jordan Bove combined to tee up Sam Hind, but his shot lacked the force to beat goalkeeper Alex Fowell.

And the hosts may have felt doubly-aggrieved had their own custodian, Greg Hall, not parried a penalty to his left after a teammate was judged to have handled.

1874 broke through on 20 minutes, when Bailey stayed calm to finish coolly after Joe Woolley sent him clear.

A second goal almost followed when his driven cross was narrowly too far in front of Hand at the back post.

Maine Road’s best chance fell to Martin Owen on 56 minutes but, despite being left unmarked, he headed straight at Hall.

Bove did the same at the other end before the hosts doubled their lead when Ryan Mitchell met Sam Hare’s cross with power to leave Fowell with no chance.

Joe Woolley was unlucky to see his attempt flash wide, while substitute Taylor Kennerley set up Bailey who prompted the visitors’ custodian to block smartly.

1874, shorn of Mark Jones (ankle) and Tyler Edwards (groin) due to injuries, host title-chasing Atherton Collieries on Saturday.

They meet landlords Winsford on Monday.

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor, Russell, Mitchell, Lever, Hare, Joe Woolley (Kennerley 70), Matthew Woolley, Bove (McGowan 75), Bailey (Whitlock 89), Hind Subs not used Lee Jones, Carey Goals Bailey 20, Mitchell 63

Maine Road | Fowell (GK), Senior, Inniss, Mason, Edwards, Keyworth (Burgess 71), Breslin, Morgan (Walsh 84); Owen (O'Brien 66), Hughes, Roe Subs not used Chatfield, Blundell Booked Breslin

Referee Daniel Hitchell

Attendance 192