TOM Bailey scored the winner with six minutes left to help 1874 Northwich keep pace with their rivals at the North West Counties League summit.

The front man fired with power through the hands of Ashton Athletic goalkeeper Martin Pearson after a free kick from home team custodian Greg Hall was flicked into his stride.

Ian Street’s side survived a scare when Daniel Regan diverted substitute Matthew Farnworth’s attempt off-target, then the attacker prompted Hall to make a save in the closing stages.

The hosts protected their slender advantage, and a sequence of six wins from their past seven matches has closed a gap to top spot in the table.

Both teams toiled to create chances on Saturday, and in the opening period Pearson was equal to a long-range attempt from McGowan.

Bailey also had a shot blocked after debutant Jason Carey, signed from AFC Liverpool on Friday, had combined with McGowan.

Hall twice denied Regan at the other end.

The visitors, unbeaten on their travels since October, went close through former Witton Albion forward Joel Brownhill after the interval.

Regan, left unmarked, fluffed their best chance though when he headed high from Dan Smith’s cross.

1874 responded with their most promising move of the contest, involving McGowan, Carey and then full-back Paul Connor whose ball to the back post was guided wide by Sam Hind.

Bailey’s decisive moment followed, his 22nd goal of the season securing only a second ever victory against these opponents.

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor, Russell, Mitchell, Thomas, Hare, Carey, Waldron (Matthew Woolley 64), Tom Bailey, McGowan, Hind Subs not used Joe Woolley, Jack Woolley, Lee Jones, Whitlock Goal Bailey 84 Booked McGowan

Ashton Ath | Pearson (GK), Jacob Jones, Howard, Cringle, Kay, Webster, Smith (Cusani 75), Watson (Farnworth 46), Brownhill, Regan, Samuel Bailey Subs not used Hatton, Aspinall, Wilson Booked Kay

Referee Daniel Bruce

Attendance 218

Match report by Garry Clarke