AFTER a week that saw them earn a first ever place in the opening round of the FA Cup and grab a win against table-topping neighbours Northwich Vics, Nantwich Town will hope their fine form can continue on the road at Ashton United on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

A win in that Evo-Stik Premier Division fixture will see them climb into the play-off places for the first time this season, and will stand them in good stead for the trip to Northwich Villa in the Cheshire Senior Cup on Wednesday, kick off 7.45pm.

Nantwich Town 3 Northwich Victoria 2 DABBERS capped a superb week of football with yet another triumph at the Weaver Stadium, with their defeat of high-flying local rivals Northwich Victoria handing them a sixth consecutive home win.

A clinical first-half exhibition from Jimmy Quinn’s men saw them take a three-goal lead into the break against a stunned Vics team, who suffered only their second defeat of the season.

Nantwich wasted no time in skipping to the front, Fraser McLachlan nodding the hosts in front from close range after just three minutes.

It got better for Dabbers, who found themselves two-goals up after 10 minutes when former Northwich defender Mat Bailey prodded in a loose ball from close range after Vics had failed to clear Sean Cooke’s corner.

The hosts then capped a brilliant first half display with a third goal on 35 minutes.

Matt Lowe’s cross was tipped away by keeper Ben Hinchliffe who, unsure whether to follow the ball or stay put, did neither and Cooke was able to curve in an assist for Ben Mills to help over the line.

Only Tom Smyth's late first-half header showed any glimpse of the fightback Nantwich had to endure in the second half, with Vic’s late goal proving to be the catalyst they needed to challenge the home side.

They continued in the same vein after the break, with Andy Preece’s side gaining the upper hand and staying in control throughout.

Riley dragged them to within one goal of a famous comeback when he stole through the Dabbers defence to slam home on 69 minutes, but Quinn’s men held on to secure three vital points and bragging right over their table-topping neighbours.

Nantwich (4-4-2):

Brain (GK), Lowe, Moss, Bailey, Solovjovs (Mitchell 80), Maguire (Jack 86), Flynn, McLachlan, Cooke (MacPherson 66), Lennon, Mills. Subs: Foster, Everall