NORTHWICH Victoria let slip a two-goal lead as they missed a chance to close the gap to leaders Warrington Town.

They must now win all of their four games in hand if they are to overtake their rivals for the title at the Northern Premier League Division One North summit.

That sequence starts tonight, Wednesday, at home to Ossett Town.

It took them 19 minutes to score at the Giant Axe on Saturday, when Iain Howard stooped to head in his 13th goal of the campaign from Gary Burnett's cross.

At the other end, Alex Byrne's block denied Ryan Winder a quick equaliser before Richie Bennett's overhead kick prompted the Dolly Blues' goalkeeper Mike Hale to save smartly.

Not to be denied, Vics' leading scorer drilled in from inside the box when Brian Summerskill's corner dropped into his path.

Lancaster pulled a goal back before the break, when Billy Akrigg guided a shot past custodian Mason Springthorpe after Winder picked him out.

The hosts were grateful to Tom Watson, who cleared off the line to prevent Mike Clarke from restoring Vics' two-goal advantage.

Howard's attempt was off-target on the hour, while Craig Carney headed over Akrigg's centre for Lancaster.

A leveller arrived on 71 minutes, when Akrigg doubled his personal tally for the afternoon with a shot that crept in off an upright.

Both teams pushed for a winner, with substitute Zach Clark's deflected effort for the hosts and fellow replacement Josh Amis' attempt for Vics the closest either went to pinching the points.

Lancaster | Hale (GK), Henry, Gavin Clark, Tom Watson, Marshall, Mercer, Winder, Akrigg, Kilifin, Carney, Davis (Zach Clark) Subs not used Rodgerson, Taylor, Cummings Goals Akrigg 41, 71

Vics | Springthorpe (GK), Byrne, Duxbury, Clarke, Andy Watson, Krou (Ball 82), Summerskill, Cook, Bennett (Amis 79), Howard (Sanogo 76), Burnett Subs not used King (GK), Ali Goals Howard 16, Bennett 30

Referee Leigh Doughty

Attendance 214