SCOTT McGowan sealed victory for 1874 Northwich at Runcorn Town.

His side had let slip a 2-0 advantage but the striker settled matters from the penalty spot eight minutes from time as the North West Counties Premier League’s leading scorers stay third in the table behind early pacesetters Rylands and Whitchurch Alport.


Lee Knight (43) and Jake Parker (52) had put the visitors in charge with their goals either side of half time at the Pavilions.



 

But the deficit was cut four minutes later by Paul McManus from the penalty spot, while Joe Holt levelled matters with 15 minutes remaining to set the scene for McGowan’s decider.


Co-manager Wayne Goodison said: “I was disappointed to let the two-goal lead slip, and the good thing is the lads are too.

“It was great that we looked like we were going to come back and get another golden opportunity.

“It was a penalty, the referee was absolutely right, as he was for their penalty. And I think on the balance of play we deserved it.”

It sets up things nicely for 1874’s trip to Prestwich Heys in the FA Vase on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

Witton Albion came unstuck at Nantwich Town, losing 3-0.

All the goals had been scored before substitute Ryan O’Hare was sent off in the 69th minute for a second bookable offence.

> FULL REPORT: Nantwich Town 3 Witton Albion 0

Witton drop from ninth to 15th in the BetVictor Northern Premier League as a result.



 

Joe Mwasile netted twice, with the other goal coming from Sean Cooke.

Albion’s next game is away to Scarborough Athletic on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, and then host Hyde on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Over at Wincham Park, former Wrexham attacking midfielder Sam Pilkington scored twice on his Northwich Victoria debut in an 8-0 undoing of lowly Litherland REMYCA in the North West Counties Premier League.

Rob Doran was another man to bag a brace, the opening two goals of the game in fact, while Ryan Winder had a hand in four of the goals thanks to defence-cutting passes or crosses.



 

Captain Joe Camozzi fired home the third goal in the 23rd minute.

REMYCA then held Vics at bay for 43 minutes but five more goals followed.

The strikes, all coming in a 20-minute spell, were courtesy of a John Connolly header, Tom Kilifin after his initial shot was well saved, Pilkington’s double, and Jamie Reed completed the scoring.



 

Manager Steve Wilkes said: "To win any football match 8-0 you hve got to have played well."

Next time out Vics will travel to Lancaster City in the Emirates FA Cup first qualifying round on Saturday, September 7.