1874 NORTHWICH’S unbeaten run ended at nine matches as AFC Blackpool celebrated a victory that preserves their Premier Division status.

The visitors took the lead inside three minutes when Kurt Willoughby caught out goalkeeper Matthew Conkie with a perfectly-executed lob from inside the centre circle.

He was denied a second goal shortly afterwards when the hosts’ custodian saved his attempt, reacting quickly to thwart Ben Duffield from the rebound too.

1874, playing a 100th competitive fixture since the club’s formation in 2012, restored parity midway through the opening period when Mike Brandon fired in from close range after Paul Connor had crossed from the right.

Blackpool dominated the half’s remainder, edging ahead again when Lloyd Balazs shot had too much power for Conkie to prevent it looping in to the net.

A third followed for the visitors when Willoughby sent a stunning volley into the top corner when a clearance dropped kindly in his direction.

Ian Street’s men improved in the second period, going close when Matthew Ward drilled a free kick narrowly wide before Neil Chappell’s header from Dilan Lomas’ cross fell just the wrong side of an upright.

Mitchell made it 3-2 on 74 minutes, converting Chappell’s centre after reaching the ball before goalkeeper Adam Caunce could intercept.

However he fluffed the home team’s best chance to pinch a point, sending a spot kick to close to Blackpool’s net-minder after Zac Wilks had been penalised for handball.

The defender tried to make amends late one, but headed too high from another Lomas assist.

1874 Conkie (GK), Connor, Lomas, Mitchell, Danny Thomas, Chappell, Matthew Woolley, Beadle (Lunn 68), Brandon, Ward, Ledwards Subs not used Wellstead, Stewart, Bayley, Duckworth Goals Brandon 23, Mitchell 74 Booked Ward

Blackpool Caunce (GK), Nay, Carroll, Vaughan, Ford, Taylor, Wilks, Muscroft, Duffield (Chris Thomas 64), Balazs, Willoughby Subs not used Brown (GK), Sumner, Green Goals Willoughby 3, 44, Balazs 37 Booked Taylor, Wilks

Referee James Wilson

Attendance 261

Additional reporting by Garry Clarke