1874 NORTHWICH could not end Runcorn Linnets’ unbeaten run, but manager Ian Street was encouraged by everything else he saw on the pitch last night.

The Premier Division pacesetters added to their advantage at the table’s summit following a goalless stalemate at Barton Stadium, but they were grateful goalkeeper Richie Mottram’s outstanding penalty stop allowed them to do so.

“I felt we could have nicked it,” said Street afterwards.

“Obviously we had a penalty, but there were three or four other opportunities that we could have taken.

“If any team deserved to win, it was us. But I’m reasonably happy with a point.”

Paul Connor’s spot kick, after Michael Duffy had tripped Neil Chappell inside the area as he shaped to shoot at goal, was the first half’s pivotal moment.

Mike Brandon and Matthew Ward both had chances to score before the break, while afterwards Chris Lomax went close more than once for the visitors.

Street added: “I’m glad we didn’t feel sorry for ourselves after the penalty. We didn’t wallow in self-pity, which would have been easy to do, because we couldn’t afford to.

“I can’t understand why their player wasn’t sent off. It’s a dismissal, simple as that. If it’s not, what are the rules?

“Remember the red card Craig Farnworth received in our FA Cup tie against Maine Road? That one felt a harsh decision at the time, even more so now.”

1874 visit Abbey Hey in a rearranged league game this Saturday, then host Bootle next Tuesday in another.

After matching the title favourites, Street has set his side a challenge.

He added: “Can we be consistent now?

“Everybody raises their game for the big matches, but we need to maintain this run of beating teams in the bottom half of the table.

“I never question our work-rate, and that was there against Runcorn to a man.

“We lacked at times a bit of quality, but we’re as good as them on last night’s showing.

“I take heart from that, and so should the players.

“They think they’re just as good as Linnets, and will have gained a lot of confidence.”

To read a report on last night's game, click here: http://bit.ly/1soKnmO