MATTY Fenton was 1874 Northwich’s lethal weapon as they achieved the victory which confirmed their place in the play-offs.
Their 3-0 success at Studley ensures they will finish the Midland Football League Premier Division season no lower than fifth.
1874, with dubutant Lewis Nolan in midfield to replace the injured Matt Woolley, scored all three goals in the first half from set-pieces – two from Fenton’s long throws.
From his first, the ball fell to striker Joel Jones at the far post and he back-heeled the ball home in the 13th minute.
Fenton scored the second, stabbing the ball home at the back post from a corner 16 minutes later.
And then another long throw from Fenton was headed onto the crossbar by Tom Morris and Eden Bailey netted from the rebound.
Alfie Henderson scored his first goal for Witton Albion as they bagged an impressive and important 1-0 win at Northern Premier League West table toppers Widnes.
The Salford City loanee marked his stay at Witton being extended until the end of the season with the winning strike in the 71st minute.
With five games remaining, Albion are now seven points clear of the fourth relegation spot occupied by Wythenshawe Town.
Winsford United have one hand on the North West Counties Football League First Division South silverware after their 3-0 victory at Stockport Georgians.
They are now 11 points clear of second-placed Stafford Town, who have a game in hand.
If Blues defeat Cheadle Heath Nomads at home on Tuesday, they would be crowned champions.
If Winsford draw or lose on Tuesday, and Stafford don’t bag maximum points in their home fixture with Abbey Hulton United, Blues would also be confirmed as title winners.
Three points never looked in doubt at Stockport, with Blues taking the lead through a Jack Woolley penalty in the 14th minute after Matty Birchall was impeded by the goalkeeper.
Ollie Pope was played in by Kal Boyle to double the advantage nine minutes later.
Reece Davies scored from a corner three minutes into the new half to leave the hosts with a mountain to climb.
The only sour point for Blues was the bizarre dismissal of Elliott Coleman in the 82nd minute.
When the defender kicked the ball away he was shown a yellow card. The referee believed this to be his second yellow, although it was his first, and proceeded to show Coleman a red card.
The assistant referee intervened to inform the whistler of his error, but the decision stood.
Barnton’s dreams of reaching their first Macron Cup Final were ended at higher-division Charnock Richard in the semi-finals.
Nathan Nickeas slammed home his 31st goal of the season from the edge of the area in the 69th minute to settle matters.
The Villagers gave the hosts their toughest contest of the 2024/25 competition so far, as they had scored at least four goals in each of their previous ties this season.
Northwich Victoria, who are not embroiled in promotion or relegation stakes, drew 0-0 at home to fifth-placed Brocton in the Midland League Premier
