COLNE progressed to the Men United Cup quarter finals after ensuring 1874 Northwich suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time since February.

The hosts led three times, with Daniel Boyle’s goal on 61 minutes – seconds after Stuart Wellstead had made it 2-2 – proving to be decisive.

Their reward is to host Division One promotion favourites Atherton Collieries in February.

Colne scored first after 16 minutes when Spencer Jordan converted from close range.

Daley Woods shot narrowly wide at the other end, while Kieran Demaine almost doubled the hosts’ lead when he forced Matthew Conkie to save after pouncing on a poor clearance.

Jordan was thwarted too by 1874’s goalkeeper from a follow-up attempt.

Matthew Ward restored parity after 37 minutes, finishing a swift counter attack, before Jordan’s next attempt for Colne hit an upright.

The hosts edged ahead seven minutes into the second period, substitute Brandon Barski reacting quickest after a cross rebounded off the crossbar into his path.

Ian Street’s men drew level again after an hour, this time when Stuart Wellstead shot with power past custodian Christopher Thompson following a neat team move.

The visitors’ joy was short-lived, for Boyle settled the outcome when he beat Conkie after meandering past two Northwich defenders.

Substitute David Short and Matthew Woolley both went close to a third equaliser, but Colne protected their advantage to progress. 

Colne Thompson (GK), Coleman, Bailey, Young (Williams 65), Hodgkinson, Nangle, Demaine, Anderson, Jordan (Barski 46), Boyle, Tinker (Garvin 77) Subs not used Berwick, Cockett Goals Jordan 16, Barski 52, Boyle 61 Booked Hodgkinson

1874 Conkie (GK), Mitchell, Duckworth, McGrath, Thomas (Short 71), Chappell, Woods, Woolley, Brandon, Ward, Wellstead Subs not used Connor, Tandy, Stewart Goals Ward 37, Wellstead 60

Referee Richard Jones

Attendance 105

Additional reporting by Brian Edge