SCOTT McGowan converted a penalty with time running out to preserve 1874 Northwich’s unbeaten start.
His ninth goal of the campaign replied to Karl Noon’s first-minute opener for City of Liverpool in Winsford on Tuesday.
The former Witton Albion midfielder was opportunistic, steering a volley past goalkeeper Greg Hall.
But 1874, shorn of experienced duo Sam Hind and Danny Meadowcroft from a side that had sent North Ferriby United crashing out of the FA Cup little more than 48 hours earlier, steadied themselves.
They went closest to equalising when Kazim Waite-Jackson’s cross clipped the crossbar, and continued to apply pressure after the interval following the introduction of wide men Taylor Kennerley and Adam Whitlock.
Scott McGowan beats City of Liverpool goalkeeper Steve James from the penalty spot to earn a share of the spoils for 1874 Northwich. Picture: M Darlington Photography
McGowan and Jake Parker both fired shots off-target while the Purps’ goalkeeper, Steve James, saved brilliantly to prevent Whitlock from scoring direct from a free-kick.
The home team had their appeals for handball inside the penalty area waved away too before they were awarded a spot kick with two minutes left.
McGowan made no mistake, scoring emphatically to James’ right to earn a share of the spoils from only his side’s fourth North West Counties League Premier Division fixture of term.
1874 | Hall (GK), Connor, Lee Jackson, Pritchard, Lever, Parker (Beadle 82), Waite-Jackson (Whitlock 60), Matthew Woolley, Riley, McGowan, Woods (Kennerley 46) Subs not used Clayton, Spencer (GK) Goal McGowan 88 (penalty) Booked Matthew Woolley (foul)
Referee Michael Barlow
Attendance 294
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