1874 NORTHWICH extended a winning sequence in the North West Counties League to eight matches with a comfortable derby success against Northwich Victoria on Tuesday.

They climbed above their hosts, and into the table’s top 10, as a reward.

Adam Whitlock’s goal on 13 minutes underlined their early dominance, and the youngster blasted past goalkeeper Michael Donlon a loose ball that had fallen kindly.

The custodian spared his own blushes shortly afterwards when he had to scramble backwards to claw the ball to safety after kicking fresh air.

Steve Wilkes’ side steadied themselves eventually, and Joe Whittington prompted 1874’s number one Greg Hall to parry his powerful strike.

He was alert enough to smother Jay Hart’s follow-up attempt too.

Vics took that momentum into the second-half, and Hart fired high before Hall produced his best to beat away Oscar Durnin’s long-distance attempt.

1874’s defence stood firm though, and they posed a threat in attack when Whitlock fired into the side-netting after Sam Hind and Scott McGowan had combined.

McGowan made safe maximum points on 73 minutes, pouncing to steer a rebound into an empty net after Donlon had saved Whitlock’s header from Jake Parker’s cross.

The striker went close twice more before the finish, and he was denied as well by Vics’ goalkeeper from close-range.

Vics | Donlon (GK), Aspin, Barski, Adam Weston, Allen Weston, Shinks (Kenny 71), Clarke, Durnin, Matthews (Walker 47), Hart (Gorman 77), Whittington Subs not used Bennett, Grant Booked Adam Weston, Allen Weston

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor, Woods (Lee Jackson 46), Thomas, Mitchell, Hind, Whitlock (Waite-Jackson 77), Matthew Woolley, McGowan, Parker, Ryan Jackson (Jones 56) Subs not used Meadowcroft, Lever Goals Whitlock 13, McGowan 73

Referee Daniel Hitchell

Attendance 262

Match report by Garry Clarke