1874 Northwich are a game closer to relegation after losing 3-0 at home to table toppers Leek Town.

A tight contest with few goal-scoring chances was making a mockery of the Northern Premier League West league table that is being propped up by ‘74, but eventually the game turned Leek’s way midway through the second half.

Rob Stevenson put the visitors ahead after 58 minutes, albeit from what was considered to be an offside position.

Then 10 minutes later Thomas Scully’s corner went straight in for 2-0.

Leek wrapped up the scoring with a curling free-kick in the 81st minute.

Ewan McGeady and Oliver Partington, brought in on dual registration from Altrincham, made their debuts for 1874.

With nine matches remaining, 1874 are 15 points from safety.

They have now gone 19 games without a win, a sequence which started following 1874’s 4-1 defeat at Leek, and they have lost 12 of their last 13 contests.

Senior players Matt Woolley and Mark Jones continue to be interim co-managers following the departure of Damian Crossley.

Meanwhile, Witton Albion having no fixture on Saturday helped Winsford United secure a much-needed three points.

This is because striker Joe Duckworth was freed up to be selected up front on dual-registration and he netted twice in a 3-1 win at Eccleshall in North West Counties League Division One South.

With a trip to come to bottom side New Mills on Tuesday and a home clash with fourth-from-bottom Market Drayton Town on Saturday this is a crunch period for a Blues side who are eight points from safety at this stage.

Eccleshall took the lead within the first 10 minutes but Duckworth produced an instant equaliser.

Eagles defender Blaise was sent off in the 34th minute and eventually Winsford cashed in on the numerical advantage.

Dylan Woods made it 2-1 in the 75th minute and Duckworth netted his second three minutes later to nail the win.