MATTHEW Ward scored twice as 1874 Northwich record a fourth successive league win on Tuesday.

Ian Street’s men have now won six of their eight matches in the Premier Division since being promoted, rising to seventh place in the table.

They were pushed hard by their Cheshire neighbours though.

Jamie Tandy went close to putting the visitors ahead after quarter of an hour, but goalkeeper Craig Ellison saved smartly.

Mike Brandon then headed wide Lee Duckworth’s cross before Ward hit the net for the first time after 20 minutes.

New recruit Neil Chappell drilled low across the penalty area from the left, the ball reaching Ward at the back post who steered in on the turn.

The Bears drew level when they punished a defensive mistake on 35 minutes, Scott Barlow latching onto a lofted pass that was allowed to bounced before shooting past net-minder Matthew Conkie.

Ellison made another impressive stop to deny Brandon, then Ward restored the visitor’s lead in the moments before the break.

Chappell again provided an assist, splitting the defence for Ward to shoot unchallenged.

Chappell, signed from Glossop North End last week, almost scored himself shortly after the interval, but Ellison again provided a barrier.

Congleton enjoyed a sustained period of pressure from that moment, forcing several corners that their guests toiled to clear.

Full back Macauley Booth worked Conkie, the goalkeeper tipping over his shot.

A threat from 1874 remained, though Ellison was equal to each of their efforts.

Conkie matched that feat when PJ Hudson and then Ryan Allcock sent shots goalwards at the other end.

The contest’s final chance fell to Brandon, who improvised with a back-heel after Tandy and Ward had combined only to see the ball hit an upright.

Congleton Ellison (GK), Booth (Kirk 72), Haynes, Middleton, Alston, Whiteoak (Langford 46), Sephton, Allcock, Barlow, Rutter (Thompson 80), Hudson Subs not used Killeen, James Goal Barlow 35 Booked Whiteoak, Barlow, Alston

1874 Conkie (GK), Connor, Duckworth, Thomas, Aston, Chappell, Jones, Woolley, Brandon (Wellstead 84), Ward, Tandy Subs not used Fossdyke (GK) Bailey, Short, Woods Goals Ward 20, 43 Booked Jones, Connor, Chappell

Referee Darren Rogers

Attendance 281

Additional reporting by Garry Clarke