1874 Northwich were disappointing in a 3-0 home loss to Widnes, who put an end to the hosts' four-match unbeaten run in Northern Premier League West.

Two goals in three minutes midway through the first half gave the visitors control.

Yet they were the first chances they had in a wind-affected affair at Townfield.

James McCulloch got on the end of a free-kick to put Widnes ahead in the 27th minute.

Then Taylor Kennerley was deemed to have committed a foul that led to Alex McMillan converting from the penalty spot.

Ash Woods' dismissal for a second bookable offence in the 58th minute left 1874 with a mountain to climb.

And the outcome was put to bed 12 minutes later when John McGrath raced on to a flick-on and rounded keeper Tony Aghayere to slot into an empty net.

1874 will next be in action at home to Mossley next Saturday.

Across town, Northwich Victoria gave high flyers Macclesfield a run for their money in front of a 942 crowd at the U Lock It Stadium before falling 4-3.

Vics manager Steve Wilkes described the Silkmen as 'the best team in the league' heading into the North West Counties League Premier Division affair and did not look out of place throughout the clash.

The Trickies led 2-1 early in the second half thanks to a superb long-range strike from Matthew Birchall but two goals in four minutes in the latter stages saw the second-placed side level and go in front before making it 4-2 in the third minute of added time.

There was still time for substitute Chad Whyte to reduce the deficit for Vics but that was as close as they got.

Ash Dunn netted Vics' opener in the 40th minute, finishing off a cross from Luke Sephton and cancelling out a lead Macc had established only two minutes earlier.

Vics return to action on Tuesday when they visit Winsford United in the Mid Cheshire Senior Cup semi-finals, kick-off 7.45pm.

Blues were defeated 3-0 at Irlam on Saturday, conceding all the goals in a 12-minute spell in the second half.

Meanwhile, Barnton were 2-0 winners at Ellesmere Rangers in the NWCFL First Division South.

Connor Anderson headed home in the 20th minute to give The Villagers a half-time cushion.

Hunt fired a free-kick into the top-right corner to seal the much-needed victory, moving them seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Barnton head to Cammell Laird 1907 next Saturday.

Witton Albion's scheduled Northern Premier League encounter at Buxton was postponed due to snow.

Albion will return to action at Atherton Collieries next Saturday.