WAYNE Goodison hit the nail on the head.

After watching his 1874 Northwich side dismantle title rivals Charnock Richard 5-0 at Townfield he said: "With the ball we were very good, we could have done that to anybody today."

The scoreline was not expected though.

Co-manager Paul Bowyer predicted in a club video ahead of the match that a repeat of the five-goal win at Charnock Richard in August would not happen.

It is a comment his players probably won't let him live down.

"Paul's just a good predictor of games, isn't he," said Goodison with a smile.

"Clearly Paul doesn't know what he's talking about."

The good humour summed up the relaxed state of all involved with 1874 after protecting their six-point lead at the top of the North West Counties Premier Division in such a ruthless and exciting manner.

"We didn't expect that beforehand," accepted Goodison.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game because they're a good side but in fairness we were very good."

Scott McGowan netted a double, his first in the 30th minute giving his side a 2-0 half-time lead while his second was an exquisite chip over the keeper from 25 yards to make it 4-0 after 68 minutes.

Harry Cain wrapped up the scoring five minutes after entering play as a substitute, while Jake Parker (20) and Callum Gardner (53) also made the net bulge.