1874 NORTHWICH were swept away by the seaside on Saturday.

They lost the corresponding fixture last season too, but at least the outcome of that contest was in doubt until Squires Gate nicked the points with a late winner.

This was an altogether different story.

The hosts took the lead inside eight minutes when Anthony Stayts fired with power into the roof of the net after the visitors failed to clear a cross from the right.

He fired wide when well-placed, following a counter-attack, shortly afterwards.

Ian Street’s side created chances before the break but attempts from Paul Connor, Sam Hind, Danny Thomas and Mark Jones were blocked by a defender.

Goalkeeper Ben Fletcher denied Stuart Wellstead too.

The visitors did draw level five minutes into the second period, when Tom Bailey converted a close-range header from Connor’s cross.

However Gate were ahead again almost immediately when Ric Seear curled an attempt out of goalkeeper Greg Hall’s reach.

The teams traded chances, and 1874’s net-minder reacted smartly to thwart Seear.

Fletcher did the same at the other end when Wellstead headed at goal, while substitute Scott McGowan fired over a free kick.

It was 3-1 after 72 minutes though, when Seear netted a shot on the turn.

1874 committed to attack in an attempt to recover, introducing new recruit Shelton Payne to their attack.

Bailey shot high, and Fletcher parried a volley from the debutant.

However, as they did last season, Gate grabbed a goal in the dying seconds.

Substitute Brett Dawson picked out Joe Noblet, who was unmarked, and he chipped Hall from long range to make it 4-1.

Gate | Fletcher (GK), Richards, Ben Seear (Higham 80), Hall, Penswick, Carroll, Stayts, Noblet, Richard Seear, Tanser (Dawson 72), Gibson (McKendrick 73) Subs not used Riley, Thornber Goals Stayte 8, Ric Seear 52, 72 Noblet 90

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor (Welsh 72), Russell, Mitchell, Thomas, Rick Bailey (McGowan 63), Wellstead (Payne 62), Jones, Tom Bailey, Hind, Moran Subs not used Matthew Woolley, Jack Woolley Goal Tom Bailey 50

Referee Michael Sutcliffe

Attendance 185

Additional reporting by Garry Clarke