1874 NORTHWICH did what they needed to on Saturday, and started another week at the North West Counties League summit.

They had to be patient, and only when Tom Bailey – aided significantly by a defender’s contribution – doubled their lead with eight minutes left could they breathe a sigh of relief.

There can be no argument though that they didn’t deserve maximum points.

Tom Bailey mistakenly blocked Rick Bailey’s attempt early on, then Ryan Mitchell headed wide after meeting Sam Hare’s set piece with a header.

Scott McGowan then combined with Tom Bailey, only for visiting goalkeeper Elliott Wynne to save smartly low to his left.

A breakthrough arrived shortly after the interval when McGowan, after receiving Mark Jones’ perfectly-weighted pass, coolly claimed his 11th goal of the campaign.

Matthew Russell headed too high, then Danny Thomas was inches away from connecting with another Hare cross.

A second, and decisive, goal followed on 82 minutes.

Substitute Jack Woolley pulled the ball back towards Tom Bailey, who prodded it past Wynne.

Adam Jones scooped it off the line, only for it to rebound into the net off the unwitting custodian’s back.

1874 | Hall (GK), Wellstead (Mason 86), Russell, Mitchell, Thomas, Hare, Rick Bailey (Jack Woolley 77), Mark Jones, Tom Bailey (Carroll 86), McGowan, Matthew Woolley Subs not used Jones, Tulloch Goals McGowan 57, Tom Bailey 82 Booked Russell

Abbey Hey | Wynne (GK), Gunner (Fitton 52), Jones, Sven Gibson, Smith, Hickman (Mafolo 77), Ford, McNamara, Hardy, Tinning, McKenzie Sub not used Luke Gibson

Referee Lewis Raper

Attendance 248

Match report by Jack Owen