THE first ever league meeting between 1874 Northwich and Witton Albion saw an emphatic victory for Jon Macken’s visitors.

A crowd of more than 800 at Townfield saw Albion run out 4-1 victors having taken a 3-0 lead into half time.

Connor Hughes had given Witton the lead before goals from Elliot Rokka and Harry McGee gave a shellshocked 1874 side a mountain to climb.

Northwich Guardian: Connor Hughes celebrates putting Witton in frontConnor Hughes celebrates putting Witton in front (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

Hughes doubled his tally late on to give Albion’s supporters more reason for Christmas cheer, meaning a late penalty from skipper Matt Woolley was a mere consolation for the home side.

Witton now jump up to ninth in the Northern Premier League West Division table having leapfrogged their hosts, who drop to 11th.

> Click here to read Witton boss Jon Macken's post-match interview with Karl Brooks

Back across town at the U Lock It Stadium, there was late heartbreak for Northwich Victoria in the North West Counties League Premier Division.

A 93rd minute winner from Ryan Read meant visitors Congleton Town ventured back across Cheshire with a 2-1 victory after the sides had traded early blows.

Ethan Hartshorn had put the visitors ahead after just eight minutes, only for Matt Dudley to level matters for Vics five minutes later.

"It was a great game of football – anybody who paid to watch it would have enjoyed themselves," Vics boss Steve Wilkes told NVFCTV post-match.

"We’ve come out on the wrong end of a 92nd-minute winner – we just switched off from a free kick and nobody helped young Roman Allen out at the far post.

"They had two or three good chances but we’re still in the game.

"When you’re playing a team that’s a point or two below you, you don’t lose the football match but unfortunately, we’ve done that."

Check out Wilkes' full post-match interview here

Winsford United’s followers were denied Boxing Day action as their scheduled home game against Litherland REMYCA was postponed due to burst pipes at Barton Stadium.

In the First Division South, Barnton could not make an excellent start count as they were beaten 4-1 at Sandbach United.

Harvey Sample gave the Villagers the lead after just four minutes, but two goals each from George West and Kieran Alley helped the hosts to a comfortable victory.