Two points dropped?

1874 Northwich manager Ian Street certainly felt as much, more so considering his side only broke through Maine Road’s resilient defence with four minutes left.

Tom Bailey’s goal, his 25th of a remarkable debut campaign, ought to have been enough to secure a seventh win in eight North West Counties League matches.

However substitute Chrysty O’Brien’s leveller put paid to those hopes.

“We have to win games like one this if we want to win the title,” rued Street afterwards.

Promotion rivals Runcorn Linnets and Runcorn Town have won at Brantingham Road, although Bootle came a cropper there when losing 5-4 back in September.

Coincidentally, O’Brien scored a decisive goal.

Atherton Collieries visit in March.

The curse of Brantingham Road

AFTER three successive defeats on previous visits in league and cup, 1874 improved their record by securing a 1-1 draw.

There was no sense they were weighted down by history in the opening stages, when Tom Bailey and Jason Carey both went close to scoring.

Maine Road rallied, but Connor Hughes – a scorer in this fixture in each of the past two seasons – had left his shooting boots at home.

Goalkeeper Greg Hall was alert as well to divert Matthew Morgan’s effort after diving full stretch to make a fine save in the first half.

1874 supporters made up the bulk of a 200-plus crowd, and made it feel like a home fixture for their favourites in the second half.

“This place has done us again hasn’t it?” said Street.

In praise of Jason Carey

THE attacker, signed from AFC Liverpool 10 days ago, has improved in each of his three appearances for 1874 Northwich.

He has demonstrated his versatility too, playing wide right in a 4-4-2 on his debut against Ashton Athletic.

He occupied a space further forward in a 4-3-3 shape when Northwich Victoria visited for a Cheshire FA Senior Cup encounter in midweek.

That’s where the 30-year-old started yesterday’s game before switching to a role alongside Bailey towards the end of the first half.

Unlucky not to open his account for the club when Maine Road custodian Ryan Livesey made a stunning reaction stop to deny him before the break, it was his towering header that prompted a mistake from defender Jonathan Mason that led to the away team taking the lead.

Lee Jones: discreet, and dominant

When the 33-year-old returned to the club before Christmas, he initially covered at full-back while Paul Connor served a suspension.

However his performances in midfield, where he has acted as a foil for younger brother Mark, over the past week have certainly caught the eye.

He has been preferred to captain Matthew Woolley, who has watched from the bench since returning from a three-week trip to Australia.

Not only that, he has dislodged Dahrius Waldron – so impressive in his first couple of appearances for 1874 – from the starting line-up too.

Jones looks fit, and his energy, stamina and strength in the tackle gave Sam Hare freedom to roam the field further forward in search of possession.

In this form, Jones could become a fixture in the middle of the pitch.

Goals; should supporters be worried?

In short, not yet.

It is true that only Abbey Hey have scored fewer goals in the Premier Division’s top 10, but 1874 Northwich possess one of the best defensive records.

Tom Bailey has 20 league goals, and Scott McGowan 14.

The front two are doing their job, and new recruit Jason Carey will help spread some of that burden.

However Sam Hind, with eight, is the only other player to make a significant contribution to the team’s tally of 53.

Last season, Ryan Jackson and Stuart Wellstead both reached double figures to back up Matthew Beadle and Michael Brandon.

Neil Chappell chipped in with half-a-dozen goals from midfield too.

1874 have arguably the most formidable front-line in the league with Bailey, McGowan and Carey.

The challenge is to improve supply to them, or for others to weigh in with a share of goals.

Injuries to Jackson, Joe Woolley and Tyler Edwards have restricted Ian Street’s options in the final third, something that hampered his side’s attempt to break down Maine Road.

He doesn’t possess a player of Matthew Ward’s class and cunning, with the ability to conjure a goal from nothing, and has opted instead for strength and pace down the sides.

The return of those three to full fitness would make a difference.

Northwich Guardian:

Matthew Ward's ability to open up opposition defences has been difficult to replace for 1874 Northwich manager Ian Street