DILAN Lomas marked his return after injury by scoring a stoppage-time leveller for 1874 Northwich.

It extends a sequence without a league victory to five matches, though this will feel like a point earned after trailing on three occasions before half time to in-form guests.

The teams traded chances in an open encounter, with Danny Thomas diverting William Smart’s goal-bound shot early on.

Elliot Ledwards fired high at the other end while Stuart Tulloch and Stuart Wellstead, on his return to the club from Runcorn Town, both prompted goalkeeper Richie Cowderoy to save.

Bootle, who had risen to third in the table after winning four of their previous five fixtures, took the lead on 27 minutes through Dominic Marie’s angled attempt.

1874 almost restored parity instantly, only for Wellstead’s overhead kick to crash against the crossbar.

A leveller did arrive on 32 minutes though, Ryan Jackson’s drive snaking its way through a crowd of players into the net.

However Marie, who had been on target for 1874’s neighbours Witton Albion in a Northern Premier League match seven days earlier, made it 2-1 with a powerfully-struck shot.

A topsy-turvy encounter swung back the hosts’ way on 38 minutes, when Wellstead steered in from the penalty spot following a foul on Jackson.

Bootle bagged a penalty of their own before half time, Marie completing an 18-minute hat-trick when he converted after Louis James had erred.

The visitors had opportunities to establish a two-goal lead in the second period, but 1874 net-minder Matthew Conkie was alert to save Joel Powell’s diving header and an attempt from Smart.

Meanwhile Wellstead drilled narrowly off-target at the other end.

Lomas rescued a draw for the hosts in the first minute of added time, shooting with power after substitute Ryan Stewart’s free kick dropped into his path.

1874 | Conkie, Connor, James (Stewart 46), Lomas, Thomas, Woolley, Jackson, Wellstead, Tulloch, Ward (McNichol 46), Ledwards (Brandon 70) Subs not used Stadnicki, Mason Goals Jackson 32, Wellstead 38 (penalty), Lomas 90

Bootle | Cowderoy (GK), Mbolokele, Peacock, Powell, Dodd, Ordish, Holden (McGrane 81), Hay, Marie (Peterson 87), Halligan, Smart Subs not used Doran, Roberts, Kelly Goals Marie 27, 34, 44 (penalty) Booked Marie, Smart, Haligan, Ordish

Referee Chris Porter

Attendance 254

Additional reporting by Garry Clarke