1874 NORTHWICH scored three times in a 15-minute spell either side of the interval to complete a comeback win against landlords Winsford United on Monday.

Ian Street’s men had been second-best in the opening half an hour, falling behind when Kyle Riley headed Alex Byrne’s free kick past goalkeeper Matthew Conkie at the far post.

Before that, the custodian had saved Sam Marshall’s shot before almost being caught out by Eli Mitchell’s speculative lob.

Chris Lunn, a hat-trick hero 48 hours earlier, was less accurate with two chances that came his way at the other end, while Paul Connor shot too close to Blues’ custodian Conor O’Keefe.

Mike Brandon was wasteful when he headed over from Connor’s centre.

However the tenants started a recovery on 40 minutes, when Matthew Ward drilled low through a crowd of players after Adam Bayley’s long throw was cleared to him on the edge of the penalty area.

1874 edged ahead in the seconds before the break, Brandon’s looping shot – after taming Ryan Stewart’s cross – leaving O’Keefe no chance to save.

When a third goal arrived on 56 minutes, it left Winsford with too much to do.

Dilan Lomas’ touch was decisive, steering in smartly Ward’s assist.

Lunn was inaccurate once more when captain Matthew Woolley created an opening, firing off-target with only the hosts’ custodian to beat.

Blues went closest to reducing their arrears when Marshall’s attempt dropped the wrong side of an upright, but they did not prompt Conkie to make another save.

Winsford O’Keefe (GK), Byrne, Baker (Wilshaw 46), Jon Jones, Eiselt, Ellison, Marshall, Hammond, Riley, Egan, Eli Mitchell (Seol 65) Subs not used Rothwell, Wareing, Devaney Goal Riley 17 Booked Riley, Eli Mitchell

1874 Conkie (GK), Connor, Lomas, Bayley, Ryan Mitchell, Chappell, Woolley, Lunn (Beadle 61), Brandon, Ward, Stewart (Duckworth 85) Subs not used Ledwards, Pouncey, Tulloch Goals Ward 40, Brandon 45, Lomas 56

Referee Justin Hayes

Attendance 523