SUBSTITUTE Chris Lunn scored a late leveller on Saturday to rescue a point for 1874 Northwich, though they still slipped a place in the table.

He guided Ryan Mitchell’s header into the net from close range with two minutes left after his teammate had flicked on Matthew Woolley’s free kick.

However Colne’s win at West Didsbury leaves them clear in third.

1874 posed little threat in the opening period, save for Sakeel Abdullah’s speculative attempt from distance that flew too high.

They fell behind after 25 minutes, when Alex Murphy swivelled to score from close range after goalkeeper Matthew Conkie had failed to collect a long throw into the penalty area.

Ian Street’s men, without a win now in their past three matches, improved after the interval.

Ryan Stewart shot high, while Gate defender Josh Westwood timed perfectly a tackle to deny Matthew Beadle in shooting stride.

When Beadle did fire at goal shortly afterwards, following strike partner Mike Brandon’s assist, his effort flew inches over.

New recruit Elliot Ledwards, formerly of Winsford and Nantwich, aimed a shot narrowly off-target as well before Brandon’s header almost restored parity.

Squires Gate seldom attacked, though when they did Adam Bayley blocked brilliantly to prevent Murphy from doubling his personal tally.

The visitors ought to have settled the outcome in the seconds before Lunn’s equaliser, but ex-Witton striker Mark Buchan’s shot struck an upright when he seemed certain to score.

1874 appealed for a penalty when they felt a defender had handled, though their hands reached skywards in celebration when Lunn met Mitchell’s flick-on to earn a draw.

1874 Conkie (GK), Connor, Duckworth (Pouncey 75), Bayley, Mitchell, Stewart (Johnson 72), Woolley, Abdullah (Lunn 67), Brandon, Beadle, Ledwards Subs not used Bowyer, Tulloch Goal Lunn 88

Squires Fletcher (GK), Richards, Ferguson, Penswick, Westwood, Anderson, McKenna (McKendrick 70), Hall, Buchan, Murphy, Dunn Subs not used Bronley, Cunningham Goal Murphy 25

Referee Thomas Parsons

Attendance 265

Additional reporting by Garry Clarke