THIS was a result, and performance, that 1874 Northwich needed after their FA Vase exit.

It was an afternoon that belonged to Scott McGowan, who scored a hat-trick to draw level with Mike Brandon in the club’s all-time goal-scorers’ table.

And their reward is a place in the Macron Cup last 16 and a trip to North West Counties League Premier Division rivals Abbey Hey.

The home team threatened first when Callum Gardner made forward progress on the right before cutting inside and prompting goalkeeper Alex Cameron to save smartly.

A breakthrough followed on 21 minutes when Gardner slipped a perfectly-weighted pass into Sam Hare’s path and he lifted a cute finish over the visitors’ custodian.

Sam Hare shapes to shoot during 1874 Northwich's comfortable Macron Cup success against AFC Blackpool on Saturday. Picture: Ian Dutton

McGowan got in on the act when he found the net shortly afterwards and then made it 3-0 on 28 minutes with a fine strike after combining with captain Matthew Woolley in the build-up.

Cameron tipped over Jack Irlam’s free-kick with the home team in total control.

They were conscious that goalkeeper James Coates was nursing a back injury in the second-half, but protected him efficiently.

Hare was denied a second goal when his chipped effort was cleared off the line before the same defender blocked Taylor Kennerley’s follow-up.

Blackpool survived an scramble as 1874 attempted to put further distance between the teams on the scoreboard although they had to wait until the 82nd minute.

Danny Thomas challenges AFC Blackpool goalkeeper Alex Cameron for the ball during 1874 Northwich's 5-0 victory in the Macron Cup. Picture: Ian Dutton

McGowan slipped the ball under Cameron, completing a personal treble and increasing his tally for the club to 79.

A landmark of a different kind was reached when 16-year-old Matty Preston was introduced as a substitute, making him the youngest player to represent 1874 in a competitive fixture.

Gardner then steered in a fifth goal, one his individual display deserved, with time running out after replacement Josh Winthrop steered the ball into his path.

1874 | Coates (GK), Tucker, Russell, Ormrod, Thomas, Irlam (Preston 83), Gardner, Matthew Woolley, McGowan, Hare (Waite-Jackson 65), Kennerley (Winthrop 71) Subs used Weir, Lever Goals Hare 21, McGowan 24, 28, 82 Gardner 88 Booked Kennerley, Waite-Jackson

Blackpool | Cameron (GK), Taylor (Caunce 46), Betteridge, Gourley, Donaghy, Pickering, Baird, Fishwick (Dickson 60), Duffield, Bishop (Menzies 63), Bradley Subs not used none Booked Fishwick, Bishop, Bradley, Caunce, Menzies

Attendance 184