IAN Street says 1874 Northwich players are as happy to be shutting out opponents as they are scoring at the other end of the field.

A 3-0 win against North West Counties League rivals West Didsbury & Chorlton in the FA Cup on Friday marks a third successive clean sheet.

“The lads are taking great pride in that,” said the manager at full time.

“They had next to nothing by way of chances because we didn’t allow them to play.

“We squeezed the amount of space they had to play in high up the pitch, and stayed on the front foot throughout.

“I always fancy us to nick a goal, so it’s a good combination.”

1874’s reward for reaching the preliminary round is a home date with either Ashton Athletic or Maltby Main, of the Northern Counties East League, later this month.

Before that, Street said his side will be happy for a breather following three wins in six days.

They will not play again until travelling to newly-promoted Atherton Collieries next weekend.

He said: “We’ve got a few walking wounded who will be glad of a chance to recover.

“Some lads are not 100 per cent, so we need to regroup a bit. We have momentum, but I’m not worried about losing it in the space of a week.”

Skipper Neil Chappell scored twice from set pieces – both corners – before the break against West, before Ryan Jackson made it 3-0 in injury time.

Ryan Gleave went closest for the visitors when his drive hit a post in the second half.

Street added: “It was our best performance so far. We played with a high intensity, and it felt comfortable.

“I didn’t think we were ever in danger, and looked strong as the game wore on.

“The lads are starting to realise that if they don’t do the business, then somebody is waiting on the bench to take their place. It’s a good situation for a manager to be in.”