1874 NORTHWICH’S winning start to the season is over, but Ryan Jackson’s equaliser ensured they remain unbeaten in four matches.

They trail surprise Premier Division pacesetters Barnoldswick by two points.

After recovering from the early blow of losing defender Dilan Lomas to injury, they created a close contest’s first chances.

Arron Kirk, forced to hurry, shot off-target after Jackson had combined with Paul Connor on the right.

Mike Brandon, after creating space for himself, did the same on 15 minutes.

At the other end Alsager front man John Main, signed from Witton Albion on dual-registration terms, twice fired too close to 1874 goalkeeper Matthew Conkie.

Neil Chappell missed the target after he was teed up by Brandon before the Bullets - beaten in each of their previous three league matches - edged ahead.

Main was first to a through-ball, then sent a composed finish past Conkie.

However 1874 restored parity quickly, Jackson converting with style after Brandon’s incisive pass had sent him clear.

A second goal almost followed for the hosts, only for Ryan Mitchell’s header – from Matthew Ward’s corner – to sail too close to custodian Krystian Buryzinksi.

Conkie was called upon to deny teenage front man Main, then saved smartly with a boot.

Brandon’s headed attempt was cleared from the goal-line, then Buryzinski reacted well to thwart Jackson following Kirk’s superb pass.

Substitute Louis James and Chappell were both left frustrated when Alsager’s custodian prevented them from scoring a winner, while Conkie adjusted in time to tip over Main’s speculative attempt from distance during the closing stages.

1874 | Conkie (GK), Connor, Lomas (James 10), Matthew Woolley, Mitchell, Chappell, Kirk, Jackson, Brandon, Ward (Haughton 75), Ledwards Subs not used Hill, Stewart, McNichol Goal Jackson 38 Booked Brandon, Conkie, Chappell

Alsager | Burzynski (GK), Taberner, Mannion, Heler, Dawson, Warren, Chadwick, Jack Woolley, Main, Johnson, Crane Subs not used Jones, Southwell, Williams Goal Main 28 Booked Warren, Chadwick

Referee Daniel Hitchell   

Attendance 282