1874 NORTHWICH again exited a knockout competition following a penalty shoot-out on Saturday, this time in the Men United Cup.

In keeping with a contest that had been postponed on seven previous dates, their clash with Ashton went the distance.

George Riley’s spot kick was saved by home-team goalkeeper Martin Pearson at 5-5, only for Ian Rowlands’ attempt to strike an upright.

The teams traded two more penalties each before Danny Thomas, whose header for 1874 during extra time rescued a draw, skied his effort from 12 yards.

It left Joel Brownhill, who started the season at Witton Albion, to score the decisive kick.

Meanwhile 1874 have still to beat Ashton in a competitive fixture.

They appeared on course to improve that record when Neil Chappell fired past Pearson in the second minute after bursting onto a through-ball.

A linesman had flagged for offside, but referee Andrew Cawtherley overruled him.

Thomas’ header from Ryan Jackson’s free kick flashed wide, while Alex Ashby’s attempt did the same at the other end from a corner.

Pearson was employed more often than counterpart Greg Hall, producing saves to deny Stuart Wellstead and then Jackson.

Ashton’s custodian remained defiant in the second period, reacting instinctively to keep out substitute Mike Brandon’s close-range header.

His teammates made the most of his contribution, scoring an equaliser on 80 minutes when Sam Bailey smashed in after initial attempts to score were blocked.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men after captain Matthew Woolley received a second caution, and their luck worsened when substitute Dan Smith converted a penalty at the start of extra time.

1874 net-minder Greg Hall denied the Ashton scorer another goal with a fine save, while Brownhill shot high when a chance went his way.

With seven minutes left, Thomas rose highest to flick Jackson’s set-piece over Pearson with the back of his head.

However he was less accurate in the shoot-out, and spot kicks proved the undoing of Ian Street’s side in the same way they had done in the Cheshire FA Senior Cup against Alsager in November.

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor (Jack Woolley 97), Lomas, Mitchell, Thomas, Chappell (Riley 106), Wellstead, Matthew Woolley, Beadle (Brandon 62), Ward, Jackson Sub not used Tulloch Goals Chappell 2, Thomas 113 Booked Chappell, Matthew Woolley, Thomas, Wellstead Sent off Matthew Woolley (second caution)

Referee Andrew Cawtherley

Attendance 134

Additional reporting by Garry Clarke