Boro stun Northwich

An early Tom Corner goal gave Boro an advantage that they clung to, despite waves and waves of pressure from their hosts.

The superb result booked a fourth win in Boro's last five matches, and they are now looking towards mid-table rather than worrying about relegation.

Boro started the clash without the injured Ryan Blott and Matty Bloor, while a number of others were nursing knocks.

Because of this, you could have expected a slow start from the visitors, but instead they came charging out of the blocks.

Jamie Forrester whipped a volley just over the bar in the first minute, and then minutes later they grabbed the lead.

Corner found his way onto a bouncing ball, he outjumped keeper Mason Springthorpe and managed to divert it into the empty net.

Northwich soon began to demonstrate why they are flying high in the Evo-Stik North table.

They zipped the ball about the field with confidence, but found the resolute Boro defence an insurmountable obstacle.

When they did pierce the Boro rearguard, Nick Draper was on hand with some outstanding saves.

The on-loan keeper got down low to push away Bryan Summersgill's free-kick that had darted through a crowded box.

Then, when Northwich defender Mike Clarke got his toe onto another set-piece into the area, Draper flung himself across goal to make a miraculous stop from under the crossbar.

Draper was at it again when the second half got underway, grasping onto a deft flick from gargantuan striker Richie Bennett.

There was some reprieve for Boro, as they had a great outlet in Corner, who covered every blade in attack and constantly put his head where others wouldn't.

Just after the hour, some fine hold-up play from Corner allowed Niall Flint some space and the attacker drilled just over the bar.

Northwich continued to press on though, as a combination of Clarke and Mallory forced the ball just wide of the post.

Then the referee had a long look at Nathan Peat's challenge on Bennett in the area, but he shook his head.

Boro bolstered their back-line and changed shape for the closing stages, with sub Dean Lisles helping to roll the bus in front of the goal.

But by this point, Northwich seemed to have blown out their creative flame.

All they had to offer was another effort from Bennett that was well saved by Draper.

Meanwhile, Boro could have wrapped up the points, as another Springthorpe error almost let Corner in for his double.