NORTHWICH Victoria will take on Chorley for the right to play in the FA Cup first round following a 4-2 success at Marine on Tuesday.

Jordan Williams scored twice inside the first seven minutes in Crosby, establishing a lead that Jim Gannon’s men rarely looked likely to surrender.

Substitutes Tom Owens and Chad Whyte netted for the hosts, but replies from Richie Bennett and Josh Amis – a Northwich replacement – ended any hopes of a fight-back.

Less than a week earlier, Vics’ place in the competition had been in doubt after the FA accused them of fielding on-loan goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe in two previous ties when he was not registered.

Ordered to play again a second qualifying round encounter with Hyde United at the weekend, which they won 2-1, they moved a step closer to the first-round proper by eliminating another Northern Premier League top-flight club.

Williams scored direct from a free kick to put them in front, then doubled his personal tally from Bennett’s assist.

A hat-trick goal almost followed for the attacker, only for his next attempt to flash wide after he had turned away from Marine captain Andy Nicholas.

Marine struggled to respond, and were relieved to see Iain Howard waste a chance when Alex Byrne crossed from the right.

Springthorpe, on his full debut after completing a permanent switch from AFC Telford United, then parried Andy Owens’ attempt from distance before half-time.

The home team did reduce their arrears shortly after the interval, when substitute Tom Owens measured a chip to perfection.

A leveller might have followed when Lewis Codling escaped the attention of Ryan Astles, but Vics’ net-minder saved at the second attempt.

The visitors restored a two-goal advantage on 68 minutes, when Bennett steered in Byrne’s cross at the end of a move started by Brian Summerskill in the middle of the field.

Substitute Whyte raised home hopes when he converted James Foley’s pass with eight minutes left, only for them to be dashed when Amis finished clinically at the other end following Nicholas’ error.

Chorley, from National League North, await at the next stage.

Marine | Cooper (GK), Duggan, Hessey, Willis, Peers, Nicholas, Holden (Whyte 75), Foley, Andy Owens (Procter 81), Menagh (Tom Owens 46), Codling Subs not used Wainwright, Sharman Goals Tom Owens 51, Whyte 82 Booked Peers

Vics | Springthorpe (GK), Byrne, Duxbury, Michael Clarke, Astles, Ball, Summerskill, Roddy, Bennett (Amis 81), Howard (Matty Clarke 70), Williams (Sanogo 90) Subs not used Smith (GK), Langord, Todd Goals Williams 1, 7 Bennett 68, Amis 90 Booked Springthorpe

Referee Martyn Rawcliffe (Manchester)

Attendance 417