PATIENCE is the name of the game for 1874 Northwich at the moment.

As teams attempt to find ways to stifle their momentum, sticking to their guns and trusting in their methodology can take them a long way.

It is certainly working for them so far, with the Greens continuing to lead from the front in the North West Counties Premier Division while also securing a second semi-finals spot.

All their goals came in a 23-minute spell at the end of the game as the holders won their rescheduled Macron Cup quarter-final contest at lower-division Maine Road 4-0 on Monday night.

1874, who already have a place in the last four of the Mid-Cheshire Cup against Witton Albion on a new date yet to be confirmed, now have to wait Saturday's delayed quarter-final between First Division North/South sides Shelley and Ellesmere Rangers to learn who they face in the two-legged semi-final on Saturdays March 28 and April 4.

"Maine Road were really good for an hour," said 1874 co-manager Wayne Goodison.

"They got a plan together to deny us some space in behind them and they defended really well.

"But we said at half-time if we stay patient like we have done in a lot of games we'd create some opportunities.

"We also felt that perhaps we needed to be a little bit better out of possession which I think we were in the second half."

Jake Parker (74, 81) netted twice after Scott McGowan (72) had broken the deadlock to break the spirit of the home side.

Taylor Kennerley wrapped up the scoring three minutes into added time.

Goodison felt there was another element of their game that was improved in the second half and contributed to the success.

"With the way we play, we try to keep the ball as much as we can, keep probing with it, keep moving it," he said.

"I think sometimes people get a bit carried away and think they need to pass it for passing's sake.

"I think we did that a little bit in the first half whereas in the second half we were a little bit more direct at times."

1874 Northwich return to league action at home to Burscough on Saturday.

Additional reporting, Matt Waters