1874 NORTHWICH extended a winning sequence to five matches, goals from Michael Brandon and Danny Thomas book-ending an uncomfortable afternoon.

Their hosts can blame flaky finishing, plus an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Matthew Conkie, for failing to halt that run.

He made a string of saves to protect his side’s slender advantage, meaning Thomas’ header from a corner with a quarter hour left proved to be match-clinching.

Ian Street’s men had taken the lead inside five minutes; Brandon applying a finishing touch from close range after Paul Connor’s shot had been diverted into his path.

West rallied, Matthew Eckersley’s effort forcing Conkie to block.

1874 were hampered by having to make changes to replace injured pair Neil Chappell and Stuart Wellstead, though they almost doubled their lead when substitute Rick Bailey’s effort hit the woodwork via a deflection.

At the other end, Chris McDonagh headed over from Lewis Schofield’s cross.

The home team continued to push for an equaliser after half time, with Steve Settle next to force Conkie to intervene when he met a corner.

The outcome was the same when Settle went for goal shortly afterwards too.

West fluffed their best chance on 68 minutes, full back Alex Baird steering wide from close range with the goal at his mercy after Conkie had failed to cut out a set piece.

Eckersley was next to be denied when his shot hit an upright, while at the other end replacement Matthew Beadle called Conkie’s opposite number Daniel Lever into action.

Thomas’ touch to meet a corner from eight yards was decisive, ending the home team’s hopes of pinching a point.

It secured for the visitors, who host runaway leaders Runcorn Linnets on Tuesday, a seventh win in nine Premier Division matches since they were promoted.

West Lever (GK), Callum Jones, Baird, Settle, Callum Schofield, Potts, Bryson, Eckersley (Gleave 73), Lilley, McDonagh (Baldwin-Willis 84), Lewis Schofield (Garner 73) Subs not used Dee, Mason

1874 Conkie (GK), Connor, Duckworth, Thomas, Woolley, Chappell (Bailey 31), Wellstead (Beadle 44), Lee Jones, Brandon (Short 86), Ward, Tandy Subs not used Woods, Abdullah Goals Brandon 5, Thomas 77

Referee Ian Gittens

Attendance 278