IAN Street believes 1874 Northwich will need to shoot more sharply if they are to stay in pursuit of runaway Premier Division leaders Runcorn Linnets.

His side squeezed past Alsager Town by a single goal last night in a contest the manager feels was closer than it should have been.

“We have to convert a higher percentage of the chances we’re creating,” he said.

“We’ve never been a team that hands out hidings, but it’s something we need to work on.

“In the end a moment of quick-thinking got the job done, so I’m happy.

“But I feel we should have won the game by a bigger margin.

“Alsager were rock-solid in defence and their goalkeeper made some good saves, which frustrated us a bit.”

With the score a 1-0 thanks to Daley Woods’ first-half strike, his second goal in as many games since returning to the club, 1874 risked missing out on maximum points.

In the end, they recorded an 11th league win from the past dozen matches.

Street said: “When it’s 1-0, you’re always wondering if they might nick something.

“It wouldn’t have been deserved if they had done, but of course it’s always a danger.

“That’s why we need to put games out of opponents’ reach.

“We’ve got to keep this momentum going for as long as possible.

“We’ve not been at our best for the past three or four games if we’re honest, but we’re still putting points on the board.”

He said that Woods, back at Barton Stadium following spells at Pennycae in the Huws Gray Alliance and Kidsgrove Athletic in the Northern Premier League, has a part to play.

It is likely to be further up the pitch than previously too.

“Daley got in touch about coming back,” said Street.

“It was my idea to move him on initially, but Stuart Wellstead has been struggling with a hamstring injury and I felt we needed another attacking option.

“He’s come in and done well, scoring in both games so far.”

Last night’s win leaves 1874 Northwich placed third in the table, a dozen points adrift of top spot with five games in hand.

They turn their attention next to an FA Vase first round tie against Ashton Town this Sunday.

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