HAD I written a script, then it wouldn’t be better.

1874 Northwich probably won’t have thanked me – initially at least – for leaving them to play catch-up after the opening stanza.

But the truth is their FA Vase semi-final against Thatcham Town is beautifully-balanced following the Kingfishers’ 1-0 win last weekend.

They were the better side, and deserve to be ahead.

In fact, their advantage could be greater.

Indeed, had 45-goal leading-scorer Shane Cooper-Clark worn different boots – his shooting ones perhaps – then it may well be.

His off-day means it is game-on at Wincham Park on Saturday.

Do not be duped; Northwich were not totally outplayed at wintry Waterside Park, although they were second-best.

That made the mood post-game was fascinating.

Wayne Goodison, co-manager for 1874, responded with a mixture of relief and optimism – perhaps an acknowledgement that the visitors would travel home less harmed than they might to have been.

Danny Robinson, his opposite number in the Thatcham dugout, was similarly conflicted.

Happy to have a lead, of course, he didn’t hide the regret his side’s lead feels flimsy even before a ball is kicked in the second leg.

Both have a choice to make now.

The Kingfishers’ swift start brought with it the dividend of Ross Cook’s penalty inside five minutes.

A flurry of chances followed, at least before the break, but they faded badly after an hour.

It did not go unnoticed by their opponents.

1874 righted some of their wrongs during the interval, principally the amount of respect they showed to Cooper-Clark.

He featured far less in the second period, although the sense is he can’t be left unattended for a second.

Thatcham’s defence remained sturdy without ever being scrutinised in the way Northwich will have liked.

A side which has an instinct to attack, and to impose themselves, should be able ask more questions this time around.

And as is often the case with any semi-final, the intangibles may make the difference.

Neither side failed to rise to the occasion last weekend in dreadful conditions – 1874 didn’t freeze, they were simply hit by a blue and white blizzard during the early exchanges.

Now it’s Thatcham’s turn to have a big crowd against them, and we’ll find out if their nerve can hold.

Whatever happens, this is a huge occasion for sport in Northwich and I hope the town responds in kind.

It could be the first in a series of such afternoons if Witton Albion – along with both Northwich and Winnington Park rugby clubs – continue their upward trajectory.

Let’s savour it.