AIDEN Haughton scored twice to help 1874 Northwich recover from conceding early goals against Sheffield United’s under 21s on Saturday.

The front man’s second, in the minutes before the break, salvaged a draw for Ian Street’s side in their only pre-season friendly at Barton Stadium.

They had fallen behind in the third minute when Joel Coustrain fired home from close range after Otis Khan – a scorer against Witton Albion during a loan spell with Matlock Town last season – had been denied.

1874 responded when newcomer Ryan Jackson twice prompted goalkeeper Jake Eastwood to save, while Matthew Ward’s free kick sailed high.

Sheffield doubled their advantage midway through the opening period, this time Coustrain conjuring an opportunity for Dan Cockerline to score from close range.

Haughton halved the hosts’ arrears when he swept in Paul Connors’ cross, striking again shortly before the interval with a neat chip from Ward’s assist.

The young Blades, managed by former first-teamer Chris Morgan, forced goalkeeper Andy Jones to make a series of stops in the second period.

Jackson went closest for 1874, but his overhead kick flashed wide of the target.

Meanwhile substitute Kler Heh curled an effort narrowly wide at the other end in a close contest’s closing stages.

1874 Jones (GK), Connor, Lomas, Mitchell, Thomas, Chappell, Woolley (McNichol), Jackson (Lunn), Haughton, Ward, James Subs Bayley, Mason, Stadnicki Goals Haughton 28, 41

Blades Eastwood (GK), Phillips, Colquhoyn, Whiteman, Banton, Evans, Hamilton, Khan, McDonagh, Cockerline, Coustrain Subs Wright, Heh, Murray, Brooks, Kelly Goals Coustrain 3, Cockerline 21

Referee Ian Hurdle

Attendance 260

Words by Garry Clarke