KAZIM Waite-Jackson scored twice on Saturday when 1874 Northwich eased past Abbey Hey to reach the Macron Cup last eight.

The visitors to Gorton assumed control from the moment the midfielder met Lucas Weir’s free-kick with a powerful header in the eighth minute.

It denied former Winsford United manager Rob Byrne a winning debut in the dugout following his appointment.

Weir’s drive flashed over, while at the other end Lewis Haydock prompted goalkeeper Dane Rigby to make a save.

Scott McGowan worked custodian Ross Heywood at the other end and the net-minder was alert to tip over Matthew Woolley’s header too.

The home team started the second-half brightly, and signalled their intentions when a goal-bound effort was deflected to safety.

Waite-Jackson’s next effort was stopped low down by Heywood before Rigby produced his best to thwart ex-Northwich Victoria striker Oliver Walker on the hour.

McGowan teed up Waite-Jackson only for a defender to block on the line before Jack Pritchard’s firm contact directed Taylor Kennerley’s cross into the net from the resulting corner to double 1874’s lead.

Jack Pritchard connects with Taylor Kennerley's cross to double 1874 Northwich's lead during a Macron Cup encounter with Abbey Hey on Saturday. Picture: Ian Dutton

Management duo Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison sent on new recruit Michael Koral for his first appearance since completing a transfer from Winsford, replacing Sam Hare.

And he was involved in the build-up to the visitors’ third goal, nudging the ball into Kennerley’s path inside the area before he found the net with the help of a deflection.

The home team responded when Louis Edwards met a free-kick at the back-post with a header to reduce their arrears.

1874 continued to attack though, and Waite-Jackson was thwarted when he came face-to-face with Heywood.

However he persisted, and tapped in an unselfish pas from McGowan to complete the scoring.

1874 | Rigby (GK), Tucker, Russell, Pritchard, Jones, Weir, Waite-Jackson, Matthew Woolley, McGowan, Hare (Koral 63), Kennerley (Gardner 77) Subs not used Meadowcroft, Ormrod, Winthrop Goals Waite-Jackson 8, 90 Pritchard 61, Kennerley 67 Booked Weir (foul)

Referee Mark Ryder

Attendance 132