Confirmation who won play-off final between Vics and 1874

Their 1-0 victory away to Northwich Victoria in the Midland League Premier Division Play-Off Final on Saturday afternoon means they go up at the expense of their town rivals.

The winning goal was scored by 1874 striker Mike Hayes in the 69 th minute.

He found the net via the far corner after his initial strike was saved.

Northwich Victoria (green) v 1874 Northwich in Midland League play-off final at the Apec Taxis Stadium in Runcorn (Image: g.mooresportsnaturephotography)

Northwich Victoria (green) v 1874 Northwich in Midland League play-off final at the Apec Taxis Stadium in Runcorn (Image: g.mooresportsnaturephotography)

The 38-year-old, who joined Greens from Flint Mountain last summer, will now go down in 1874 folkore.

He was once the strike partner of 1874 manager Chris Herbert at Connah's Quay and was brought in to score crucial goals in big matches.

Hayes may never score a more important one.

1874 have done it the hard way, winning two Mid Cheshire 'derby' clashes on the road in the play-offs to progress to the higher level - having knocked out Winsford United at Barton Stadium last week.

They finished fourth in the league table, compared to Vics' second spot, but delivered the right result when it mattered most.

The celebrations are now expected to go long into the night for all connected with 1874 as look forward to a return to the Northern Premier League, where they featured for three seasons between 2021 and 2024 in Division One West.

Northwich Victoria (green) v 1874 Northwich in Midland League play-off final at the Apec Taxis Stadium in Runcorn (Image: g.mooresportsnaturephotography)

Spare a thought for Vics though.

They are experiencing the other extreme of today's emotions.

Challengers all season for the title and the automatic promotion that goes with it, they were pipped at the post by Hanley Town and were faced with the play-offs route instead.

A-Jay Leitch-Smith coming together with the 74 defender (Image: Dennis Wareing)

A-Jay Leitch-Smith getting a header in (Image: Dennis Wareing)

Will Llloyd pushing down the right for Vics (Image: Dennis Wareing)

Jefferson Abreu bears down on 74 keeper Jack Atkinson (Image: Dennis Wareing)

When the dust settles Vics will look back on a largely successful season, but will have to go again in the Midland League Premier Division next season.

After all the build up to the play-off final, the actual match proved to be somewhat of a damp squib.

Both sides looked to be playing not to lose, rather than to win, and goalmouth action was few and far between.

Although 1874's Dale Jennings was sent off for a second yellow card after a foul on Vics keeper Andre Mendes in the 75th minute, Vics couldn't take advantage.

It felt like balls hit into the box and hope , rather than any real football from their part.

Its party time 🙌 pic.twitter.com/YlTvZaEtf3

— 1874 Northwich (@1874Northwich) April 25, 2026

Many congratulations to @1874Northwich on your promotion.

Some incredible results to first cement a play-off spot, and then winning 2 away games to be promoted is some effort.

See you again next year!

— Hanley Town FC (@HanleyTown66) April 25, 2026

Fans can email their picture celebrations to mike.parsons@nqnw.co.uk