PAUL Bowyer believes 1874 Northwich are more adaptable than previously, and proved as much during an FA Cup replay success against Northwich Victoria.

His side, playing with 10 men following Paul Connor’s dismissal, had let slip at two-goal lead during the teams’ first meeting last weekend.

However there was to be no repeat on Tuesday after goals from Adam Whitlock and Kazim Waite-Jackson set them on a course for a comfortable victory.

West Didsbury & Chorlton await at the next stage.

“We’ve more variety now, and are less predictable,” said the co-manager.

“Our attacking play has been good all summer; we’ve upped the tempo we play at, and lots of teams will struggle to cope with our movement off the ball.

“Vics certainly did, and we were able to hurt them.

“We knew we needed to improve [after Saturday], and we played to our strengths. I think it’s exciting to watch.”

1874 have reached the preliminary round for a fourth successive season as a result.

However they have never gone further.

Bowyer said: “We’ll have to be at our best to beat West Didsbury, who I predict will be one of the most-improved teams in our division this season.

“But that has to be our aim, and we want to get to that next stage.”

He told the Guardian that five likely starters were unavailable on Tuesday, but their replacements demonstrated the strength in depth at the club this season.

“We’ve some real quality to come back yet, so we’re in a good place,” he added.

“We needed to win in lots of ways, and it sets us up for our first league game.

“The challenge now is to continue carry on what we’ve started.”