HISTORY repeated for 1874 Northwich when they twice failed to convert from the penalty spot for the second successive match.

Neil Chappell blasted over the bar against his old club from his free hit in the first half, while Maine Road goalkeeper Ryan Livesey – after he had tripped Steve Foster – parried Lee Duckworth’s kick with 10 minutes left.

By then Connor Hughes’ goal separated the sides, inflicting on Ian Street’s men a fourth successive defeat in all competitions.

The visitors dominated against opponents they had eliminated from the FA Cup earlier this term, going close firstly on 11 minutes when Livesey diverted Duckworth’s direct free kick over the bar.

1874 were awarded a penalty when Stuart Wellstead was felled by Mike Shenton but Chappell – the Manchester outfit’s record goal-scorer – blazed his attempt too high.

They were then punished at the other end for slack defending, a corner routine reaching Hughes on the edge of the area and he shot with power through a crowd of players to open the scoring.

Daley Woods’ corner hit the woodwork as 1874 attempted to recover, while Chappell’s drive from distance flashed wide.

The pattern did not change in the second half; Woods headed Wellstead’s assist against the bar before shooting narrowly off-target from another attack.

Woods also fired across the face of goal without a teammate applying a touch.

Maine Road threatened occasionally on the counter, but they were grateful to Livesey when he blocked Matthew Woolley’s header from another set piece.

The custodian erred when he brought down Foster, after which Shenton was sent off for his part in the disagreement that followed.

But Livesey redeemed himself by saving Duckworth’s penalty.

Foster had a goal ruled out for handball with time running out, before substitute David Short’s attempt flew over.

From 1874’s final bid to level, Livesey was equal to Ryan Stewart’s shot.

Maine Road Livesey (GK), Tinker, Flynn (Hulme 78), Shenton, Mason, Struminskyj, Breslin, Langford, Burke (Alexander 72), Hughes (Roe 46), Morgan Sub not used Harper Goal Hughes 28 Booked Shenton, Hulme, Struminskyj Sent off Shenton (second caution)

1874 Conkie (GK), Mitchell, Stewart, Duckworth, Thomas, Chappell (Short 77), Woods (Connor 60), Woolley, Foster, Ward, Wellstead (Brandon 60) Subs not used Crofts, McGrath Booked Connor

Referee Peter Sporne

Attendance 226

Additional reporting by Garry Clarke