Northwich Victoria 1 Bradford Park Avenue 0

 An early goal saw troubled Northwich Victoria condemn visitors Park Avenue to defeat last night.

The Vics are above Avenue in the Evo-Stik Premier Division table but are set to be expelled from the league at the end of the season.

John Deacey’s Avenue, on the other hand, are looking for a strong end to their campaign so they can head with confidence into the play-offs.

Northwich broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Wade headed in from a Nathan Woolfe cross.

Home keeper Ben Hinchliffe was well positioned to claim efforts from Ross Daly and Alex Davidson midway through the first half.

The home side were still lively and Tom Field sent in an effort that brushed the top of Avenue keeper John Lamb’s bar on its way over.

However, it was Lamb’s opposite number Hinchliffe who was busier towards the end of the first half, making fine saves to deny Daly and Nicky Matthews.

Avenue’s best chance of the night was created by substitute Tom Greaves. In the 75th minute he rounded three defenders before sending in a low drive but Hinchliffe was again equal to it.

Michael Duckworth replaced Davidson in the 76th minute but was on his way back to the dressing room 11 minutes later after being shown a red card.

Avenue remain third but are just two points ahead of Chorley, who now have a game in hand and entertain Avenue on Saturday, the last day of the season.