TOM Bailey was on target twice on Saturday as 1874 Northwich kept pace with their rivals for promotion from the North West Counties League’s top-flight.

They remain two points from the Premier Division’s summit as a result of the front man’s double, which increases his goal tally for the campaign to 27.

Meanwhile Barlick failed to score against Ian Street’s side for the first time.

The visitors almost fell behind after goalkeeper Jordan Gidley spilled a cross at the feet of Sam Hare, only for his shot to be deflected wide by a defender.

He was a spectator too when Jason Carey’s attempt from distance rattled the crossbar shortly before the break.

There was enough time though for 1874 to establish an interval lead, Bailey steering a free kick into the bottom corner after Joe Woolley – recalled to the team after a two-month absence through injury – had been fouled on the edge of the penalty area.

The home team controlled the second period, during which Ryan Mitchell’s tackle prevented Mark Threlfall from testing custodian Greg Hall.

Lee Jones, wearing the captain’s armband on his 50th appearance for the club, flashed an attempt wide at the other end.

Full-back Liam Blades timed perfectly an interception to prevent Sam Hind from converting Carey’s cross, while the latter flicked wide with his heel from a Hare corner.

Bailey made safe maximum points on 72 minutes, slotting a spot kick out of Gidley’s reach after he had been tripped.

Newcomer Joel Douglas, who completed a move from Cammell Laird on Friday, almost capped a cameo as a substitute with a goal when a Barlick back-marker blocked his shot from fellow replacement Tyler Edwards’ assist.

But Bailey’s brace was enough to earn a fourth league win in five matches since a Boxing Day derby defeat.

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor, Russell, Mitchell, Farnworth, Hare, Joe Woolley (Edwards 75), Lee Jones, Bailey (Douglas 86), Carey (McGowan 86), Hind Subs not used Waldron, Matthew Woolley Goals Bailey 44, 72 (penalty) Booked Connor

Barlick | Gidley (GK), Blades, McEneaney, Cavanagh (Grimes 70), Hodgkinson, Airey, Crorken, Hill (Gorman 85), Threlfall, Thompson, Beckwith (Dale 85) Subs not used Hargreaves, Gohoreanu Booked Cavanagh

Referee Barry Lamb

Attendance 211

Match report by Garry Clarke