SCOTT McGowan wasted no time picking up where he left off as 1874 Northwich cruised to a victory against Padiham.

The striker had missed an midweek FA Cup replay success at West Didsbury & Chorlton after falling ill, but needed only six minutes to score on his return to action.

His finish was stylish too, waiting for visiting goalkeeper Callum Dwyer to commit before lifting a cute finish over him.

However Mark Coyne had served an early warning when he headed over at the other end and the Storks, after a chaotic build-up that culminated in manager Steve Wilkes resigning late on Friday, battled hard.

A defender’s block prevented McGowan from doubling his tally, while Kyle Riley headed narrowly wide.

Coyne again went close to scoring after Adam Whitlock’s attempted clearance deflected off an attacker, while Dominic Craig fired high from long-distance.

Padiham continued to push for an equalizer in the second period, and Paul Connor scrambled a corner off the goal-line.

Jake Townsend and Ben Hoskins also failed to hit the target when well-placed.

1874, with Sam Hind as captain in Matthew Woolley’s enforced absence, established the cushion of a two-goal advantage on 55 minutes when Riley diverted Whitlock’s shot towards goal, although a defender likely made the final contact.

The Storks then had Kieron Fletcher sent off after he hauled down Riley when the duo raced towards a long ball.

Dwyer parried smartly Whitlock’s shot from the resulting free-kick.

He also reacted smartly in the closing stages when adjusting his position to grab the ball after Jake Parker’s shot had struck another player.

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor, Woods, Pritchard, Meadowcroft (Lever 79), Parker, Whitlock, Hind, Riley (Clayton 84), McGowan, Beadle (Waite-Jackson 72) Sub not used Spencer (GK) Goals McGowan 6, Riley 55

Padiham | Dwyer (GK), Brierley, Walker (Carter 74), Fletcher, Barski, Hoskin, Craig, O’Brien (Hargreaves 79), Coyne, Pickup, Townsend (Murphy 65) Sub not used Loftus Booked Walker, Barski Sent off Fletcher

Referee Richard Watson

Attendance 228

Match report by Garry Clarke