1874 NORTHWICH avoided successive away defeats after coming from behind to beat Darwen on Saturday.

They trailed at Barnton in midweek by the break, but could not recover, and the score-line was the same at the interval against the Salmoners.

Nick Hepple had put the home team in front five minutes before the interval after meeting Karl Turner’s cross.

They then survived a scare when Tom Bailey blasted against the crossbar, and the visitors’ leading scorer missed another opportunity shortly afterwards when he failed to control Paul Connor’s lofted pass.

Both teams had traded chances earlier in the half, with Darwen goalkeeper Ben Proctor producing a smart double save to deny Taylor Kennerly.

Adam Whitlock’s attempt was deflected wide by a defender, while at the other end 1874 custodian Greg Hall stopped Turner’s effort.

Bailey was denied more than once by the blocks of back-markers early in the second period before the hosts were reduced to 10 men when Hepple was cautioned a second time by match official Peter Shacklady.

1874 made their extra man count, and Proctor swift from his line to smother a Mark Jones pass guided into Bailey’s path.

An equaliser arrived on 61 minutes, when Scott McGowan stayed calm to claim his 21st goal of the campaign after coming face-to-face with Proctor.

They took the lead with a quarter of an hour left, Whitlock reacting swiftly to steer in a loose ball.

And the youngster turned provider shortly afterwards, firing a free kick into the home team’s penalty area that was diverted into the net by Matthew Woolley – his first strike of the season.

Northwich Guardian:

Matthew Woolley celebrates after scoring 1874 Northwich's third goal during last Saturday's success at AFC Darwen. Picture: Ian Dutton

Results in other matches meant Darwen preserve their place in the North West Counties League’s top-flight for another season despite losing.

1874 turn their attention next to a meeting with Northwich Victoria in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup final.

Darwen | Proctor (GK), Wedge, Cunliffe (Cole 59), Jamie Edwards, Douglas, Allen, Ralph, Turner, Hepple, Nabeel, Daniel Russell (Banks 59) Subs not used Scott, Malone Goal Hepple 40

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor, Matthew Russell (Tyler Edwards 26), Matthew Woolley, Lever, Lee Jones, Whitlock, Mark Jones, Bailey, McGowan (Bove 78), Kennerley (Joe Woolley 78) Subs not used Clayton, Tulloch Goals McGowan 61, Whitlock 75, Matthew Woolley 77

Referee Peter Shacklady

Attendance 177

Match report by Garry Clarke