SCOTT McGowan scored a decisive goal to help improving 1874 Northwich record a third win from their past four matches.

He was placed perfectly to apply a finishing touch after Taylor Kennerley, on target for the home team earlier in the afternoon, had delivered a cut-back from the byline.

It was enough to sink Bootle, and a side managed jointly by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison is in striking distance of the North West Counties League Premier Division table’s top-half.

1874 dominated the first-half, although the Bucks did threaten when Elliot Nevitt fired over and returning goalkeeper Matthew Green denied Stephen Milne.

At the other end, Bootle custodian Jack McGovern blocked with his legs when Kennerley aimed at goal.

He produced his best to turn away Matt Russell’s volley, and twice stopped attempts from Joe Woolley.

Midfield trio Kazim Waite-Jackson, Lucas Weir and Jack Irlam were all off-target too.

A breakthrough did arrive on 37 minutes through when McGovern fumbled another Waite-Jackson effort, this time from outside of the penalty area, and Kennerley steered the loose ball into the net.

The visitors were level shortly after the interval though when Milne’s cross from the right reached front man Andrew Gillespie, and he turned in from close-range.

1874 almost took the lead again instantly, but recovering defender Joel Powell cleared off the line after Kennerley’s shot had beaten McGovern.

Waite-Jackson then sliced wide after Woolley teed him up.

A point from a draw would have felt a scant reward for their performance, and McGowan’s sixth goal of the campaign – and his 70th in the club’s colours – ensured they collected three instead.

1874 | Green (GK), Connor, Russell (Winthrop 78), Pritchard, Thomas, Weir, Joe Woolley (Riley 84), Irlam, McGowan, Waite-Jackson, Kennerley Subs not used Lever, Meadowcroft Goals Kennerley 37, McGowan 79 Booked Russell

Bootle | McGovern (GK), McConchie, Ordish, Hoy, Powell, Jago, Milne (Hickey 64), Colebourn (Foy 75), Gillespie, Peers (Millington 85), Nevitt Sub not used Coughlan Goal Gillespie 48 Booked Nevitt

Referee Michael Crusham

Attendance 222

Match report by Garry Clarke