1874 NORTHWICH could not mark their second birthday with a goal, instead extending an unbeaten sequence in the league to 14 matches after a draw.

They also avoided a defeat against reigning Division One champions Nelson for the first time.

It leaves them further from the table’s summit than at kick off but the Admirals, victors in five of their previous six Premier Division games, are a side in form.

Neil Chappell fired wide for the hosts, while Matthew Ward dragged an attempt across goal as they toiled for fluidity on a heavy pitch.

Nelson had chances too; leading marksman Peter Wright blasted high followed a mix-up in 1874’s backline, while the visitors also applied pressure with a series of corners.

Ryan Mitchell’s appeal for a penalty, after he fell trying to meet Mathew Woolley’s free kick, was turned down by referee Mark Cunliffe.

Nelson, victors at Barton Stadium last season, were relieved when goalkeeper Ben Woodhead palmed Matthew Beadle’s cross against one of his defenders before pouncing on the loose ball.

He also thwarted the 1874 striker when Paul Connor slipped a pass behind the away team’s back four.

Gareth Peet fired over a free kick at the other end, a trick repeated by Robert Grimes from open play.

Wright, a persistent threat, was unlucky when a goal-bound shot was deflected to safety.

1874, who had Paul Bowyer in charge with manager Ian Street on a spying mission to watch FA Vase opponents Bishop Auckland, dominated during the closing stages.

Ward wend close after reaching Beadle’s flick-on before a back-marker, while Chappell missed the target after Jamie Tandy picked him out in a shooting space.

Substitute Stuart Wellstead then set up Chappell, but he was disrupted by a tackle when striking the ball.

1874 have only failed to score on three occasions in the league this term, all of them at home to rivals for a top six finish.

1874 Conkie (GK), Connor, Duckworth, Mitchell, Thomas, Chappell, Jones (Brandon 88), Woolley, Beadle (Wellstead 71), Ward, Tandy Subs not used Short, Woods, Stewart Booked Conkie, Beadle

Nelson Woodhead (GK), Ed O’Neill, Peet, Morrison, Lloyd, Mason, Matty O’Neill, Danny Mahoney (Hession 79), Wright, Grimes, Joe O’Neill (Fildes 86) Sub not used Callum Mahoney Booked Danny Mahoney, Matty O’Neill, Mason, Ed O’Neill, Hession, Lloyd

Referee Mark Cunliffe                              

Attendance 420