1874 NORTHWICH scraped through to the Men United Cup last 16 despite their opponents playing for more than an hour with a striker in goal.

Mark Threlfall had to deputise for injured custodian Chris Taylor, who had been beaten three times by Ian Street’s men in the opening 20 minutes.

They did not score again.

Instead Barnoldswick, beaten in six of their previous seven games, staged a second half rally that almost left their guests red-faced.

Had substitute Martin Broderick converted a chance in the dying seconds, the Premier Division strugglers would have forced extra time.

That seemed a remote prospect when Ryan Mitchell jumped highest at the far post to head in a corner taken by the returning Daley Woods in the third minute.

Captain Lee Duckworth’s shot struck a post shortly afterwards, while he also sent a direct free kick against the crossbar.

The defender did though claim his first goal for the club in between, curling a set piece past Taylor after Matthew Ward’s dribble had been cut short by a defender.

When Woods thumped in a header, again from a flag kick, 1874 threatened a rout.

Taylor, after hurting a hand, then left the field.

The pattern did not change, with leading scorer Matthew Beadle heading across the face of goal before Mitchell’s attempt was blocked.

Woods fired off target from the edge of the box, while Ward aimed too high from distance.

Threlfall did not have to make a single save, with efforts from Beadle, Duckworth and Stuart Wellstead all proving inaccurate.

Barnoldswick pulled a goal back on 76 minutes when Melia rolled into an empty net after beating goalkeeper Matthew Conkie to a long ball forward.

Captain Matthew Cavanagh then made it 3-2 when converting a corner.

Melia’s shot in stoppage time was saved, only for Broderick to pull his finish wide from a throw-in when the hosts attacked next.

1874’s reward for protecting their lead is a home date with Colne next month.

Barlick Taylor (GK) (Simpson 25), Walker, Ellerton, Scott (Broderick 72), Ridehalgh, Cavanagh, Melia, Byrom, Threlfall, Beckwith, Lee  (Crorken 46) Subs not used Pollard, McEneaney Goals Melia 76, Cavanagh 79 Booked Beckwith, Crorken, Melia

1874 Conkie (GK), Connor, Woolley, McGrath, Mitchell, Chappell, Woods (Wellstead 70), Gill (Stewart 62), Beadle, Ward, Duckworth Subs not used Fossdyke (GK), Bowyer Goals Mitchell 2, Duckworth 18, Woods 19 Booked Ward

Referee James Price

Attendance 198

Additional reporting by Garry Clarke