1874 Northwich twice came from behind to earn a share of the spoils against AFC Liverpool at Marine FC last night.

Matt Beadle and Mike Brandon netted on a night when Ian Street was without a number of players due to suspensions, injuries and unavailability, therefore handing debuts to Elliot Edwards at left back and Ruben Abreu on the right flank, 

Abreu started well and got on the end of a good move but shot wide of the target when well placed in the seventh minute.

Soon after 1874 should have gone ahead but following excellent work by Joe Woolley, Brandon’s header was straight at home keeper Ryan Neild, who had an outstanding game and proved to be a real thorn in 1874’s ambitions.

AFC Liverpool took the lead in the 12th minute as they capitalised on a mistake by Danny Thomas, who lost the ball far too easily about 30 yards out from his goal.

The home side quickly created an opening with a neat one-two before Steve Jones fired home a clinical strike from 10 yards that gave Matthew Conkie no chance of saving.

After 25 minutes Woolley was again involved in setting up another chance for Beadle but unfortunately his effort was well wide of the target.

At the other end Jones combined well with Williams but the latter’s snap shot was also well wide.

Before half-time both sides had chances to score but Parry wasted his opportunity for Liverpool while Beadle’s effort was another that was off target.

After the break 1874 appeared to be 'up for the challenge' and started the half in a positive mood.

They might have had a penalty had the referee been better positioned to see an infringement by a home defender.

However, it wasn’t long before the deserved equaliser came and it was leading scorer Beadle who obliged as his free kick from just outside the area deceived Neild and trickled into the corner of the goal.

Five minutes later and 1874 were behind again as Williams beat Conkie with a clinical finish.

After this disappointment, 1874 had to dig deep to stay in the game.

They did this courtesy of some fine prompting and encouragement from their skipper Matt Woolley as well as all-round efforts by other key players.

They were level again in the 68th minute and this was as a result of a trademark header by Brandon as he met an excellent free kick from Connor.

Both sides refused to settle for a draw and in truth both sides had chances to win the game but in the end it was the home custodian who took the final honours as he thwarted 1874 with some memorable saves to prevent any further goals.

1874 Conkie (GK), Connor, Ledwards, Mitchell, Thomas, Stewart, Abreu (Bayley 60), Matt Woolley, Brandon, Beadle (Lunn 83), Joe Woolley Sub not used Mannion