EVEN in the absence of leading scorer Matthew Beadle, 1874 Northwich can rely on Mike Brandon to assume the mantle of match-winner in close contests.

He scored the only goal of the game midway through the second half, applying the finishing touch with his head to a move that featured Matthew Ward and Jamie Tandy on the left.

Ian Street’s men are unbeaten now in nine league games, eight of which have ended in victory.

They had to defend during the opening exchanges, when first Neil Chappell and then Kevin McGrath made timely interventions to prevent the hosts from testing 1874 goalkeeper Matthew Conkie.

Colne had a goal disallowed for offside after Ward had forced a save from their custodian at the other end before Stuart Wellstead shot narrowly wide.

Spencer Jordan prompted Conkie to save, then Andrew Tinker shot off target when well-stationed to score.

Shortly after the interval, Brandon’s header was ruled out for offside before Chappell’s drive from distance flashed past an upright.

The visitors’ broke through soon afterwards, though it did not deter Colne.

Ryan Mitchell’s perfectly-timed tackle denied them, then the hosts fluffed a glorious chance from close range following a defensive mix-up.

Brandon and Ward combined to tee up Chappell, but his finish went awry.

Colne’s last chance, following a scramble, ended with the ball being deflected to safety.

1874: Conkie (GK), Connor, Duckworth, McGrath, Mitchell, Chappell, Wellstead (Gill 86), Woolley, Brandon, Ward, Tandy. Subs not used: Fossdyke (GK), Aston, Bowyer, Crofts. Attendance: 301.