SCOTT McGowan left 1874 Northwich in February, citing frustration at not being picked to play.

He returned six weeks just later, and now feels more at home there than ever.

His was a decisive goal against Northwich Victoria during Tuesday’s final, one that means his club can keep hold of the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup for another year.

The former Congleton front man’s determination led to him pinching possession when George Mannion played a loose pass towards Yaw Gyimah.

An angle to shoot from appeared acute when he arrived into Vics’ penalty area, but he drilled low – and out of goalkeeper Dylan Forth’s reach – and scored the winner anyway.

Two minutes earlier, Jack Kelleher’s header had thumped against the 1874 crossbar.

Paul Moore’s men went close to an equaliser when Dave Short prompted goalkeeper Andrew Robertson, standing-in for injured Greg Hall, to save smartly.

These two teams may be rivals on the pitch next term following Vics’ relegation from the Northern Premier League, and there was little to choose between them for the most part.

Northwich Guardian:

1874 Northwich players show off the Mid-Cheshire FA Senior Cup they retained following a 1-0 win against Northwich Victoria on Tuesday. Picture: M Darlington Photography

Tom Bailey ought to have done better than head straight at Forth from Adam Whitlock’s cross on 11 minutes.

Sam Hare’s free kick floated across the face of goal too without a finishing touch.

Short, who had a spell with 1874 previously, twice called Robertson into action with powerful attempts.

Andy Fitzgerald headed high at a corner, while John Bennett drilled wide from long range.

Robertson, who kept goal for Trafford when 1874 joint-manager Wayne Goodison was number two there to Garry Vaughan, stretched fully to divert another Short shot to safety.

At the other end, Mark Jones headed over from McGowan’s cross while on the stroke of half-time Sam Hind’s attempt was blocked.

McGowan tried his luck from distance early in the second period, but Forth was alert to save low.

Shortly before 1874 broke through, referee Tom Elliott ignored appeals by the hosts for a penalty after McGowan tumbled following contact with Mannion.

The ball rolled loose into Whitlock’s path, but his shot was saved by Forth.

Substitute Joe Woolley prompted Vics’ custodian to intervene again during stoppage time, but by then 1874 already had one hand on the prize they wanted.

1874 | Robertson (GK), Connor, Russell, Mitchell, Lever, Hare (Edwards 38), Whitlock, Mark Jones, Bailey, McGowan, Hind (Joe Woolley 79) Subs not used Bove, Kennerley, Matthew Woolley Goal McGowan 66 Booked Hind, McGowan

Vics | Forth (GK), Mannion (Imade 83), Lawrence, Fitzgerald, Lyndon, Bennett, Clarke, Cesaire, Short (Sultan 77), Kelleher (McDonald 72), Gyimah Subs not used Matthews, Shaw Booked Mannion, Lawrence

Referee Tom Elliott

Attendance 342

Match report by Garry Clarke