SCOTT McGowan converted a penalty with time running out to preserve 1874 Northwich’s unbeaten start.

His ninth goal of the campaign replied to Karl Noon’s first-minute opener for City of Liverpool in Winsford on Tuesday.

The former Witton Albion midfielder was opportunistic, steering a volley past goalkeeper Greg Hall.

But 1874, shorn of experienced duo Sam Hind and Danny Meadowcroft from a side that had sent North Ferriby United crashing out of the FA Cup little more than 48 hours earlier, steadied themselves.

They went closest to equalising when Kazim Waite-Jackson’s cross clipped the crossbar, and continued to apply pressure after the interval following the introduction of wide men Taylor Kennerley and Adam Whitlock.

Northwich Guardian:

Scott McGowan beats City of Liverpool goalkeeper Steve James from the penalty spot to earn a share of the spoils for 1874 Northwich. Picture: M Darlington Photography

McGowan and Jake Parker both fired shots off-target while the Purps’ goalkeeper, Steve James, saved brilliantly to prevent Whitlock from scoring direct from a free-kick.

The home team had their appeals for handball inside the penalty area waved away too before they were awarded a spot kick with two minutes left.

McGowan made no mistake, scoring emphatically to James’ right to earn a share of the spoils from only his side’s fourth North West Counties League Premier Division fixture of term.

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor, Lee Jackson, Pritchard, Lever, Parker (Beadle 82), Waite-Jackson (Whitlock 60), Matthew Woolley, Riley, McGowan, Woods (Kennerley 46) Subs not used Clayton, Spencer (GK) Goal McGowan 88 (penalty) Booked Matthew Woolley (foul)

Referee Michael Barlow

Attendance 294