SCOTT McGowan claimed a decisive late goal for 1874 Northwich as they snatched a dramatic victory over leaders Runcorn Town to close a gap to top spot in the table.

The striker, who had doubled the hosts’ lead in the first half, was first to a ball sent over the visitors’ defence with five minutes left, lifting it over goalkeeper Louis Mackin.

It secured a sixth straight win for Ian Street’s side against these opponents.

Craig Cairns had threatened to spoil the home team’s afternoon when he struck twice after half-time to wipe out an interval lead established by goals from McGowan and Tom Bailey.

But even the North West Counties League’s leading scorer could not deny a determined Northwich.

They are now five points adrift of first place, but with a game in hand.

Cairns teed up Joe Holt for the contest’s first chance, only for custodian Greg Hall to block with a boot.

McGowan was denied from close range by Mackin at the other end before Hall again had to be alert to keep out Carl Rodgers’ header.

1874 took the lead midway through the first half when Bailey converted a penalty with power after Pau McManus had tripped McGowan when he attempted to reach Sam Hare’s pass.

Hall thwarted Cairns with a smart stop from an attempted lob before McGowan made it 2-0 with a neat finish after Bailey had turned provider.

Cairns was on target with a spot kick of his own shortly after the interval, awarded by referee Michael Barlow for what he felt had been a foul on the front man by Lee Jones.

Runcorn’s leading scorer then claimed an equalising goal on 65 minutes, converting Holt’s pass after Hall’s clearance had been intercepted.

Stung into action, 1874 went close to restoring their advantage when Sam Hind’s attempt was deflected wide.

Mackin also kept out a Bailey shot, while Tyler Edwards fired off-target.

McManus prompted Hall to intervene when Runcorn responded, and the net-minder moved quickly to block Cairns’ follow-up effort.

McGowan’s match-winning moment followed, although 1874 breathed a sigh of relief when Matt Woodward’s drive from distance whistled wide with time running out.

1874 | Hall (GK), Lee Jones, Russell (Jack Woolley 77), Mitchell, Mark Jones, Hare, Hind, Waldron, Bailey, McGowan, Edwards Subs not used Jackson, Whitlock, Tulloch Goals Bailey 23 (penalty), McGowan 37, 85 Booked Russell, Waldron, McGowan, Hare

Runcorn | Mackin (GK), Woodward, Heath, James, Jarrett (Nugent 88), Rodgers, Holt, McManus, Thelwell, Cairns, Exell Subs not used Pickering, McGregor, Maguire Goals Cairns 50 (penalty), 65 Booked Heath, Rodgers, McManus, Holt, James

Referee Michael Barlow

Attendance 278

Match report by Garry Clarke