1874 NORTHWICH’S elation at beating the league leaders will only have been worth it if they win again this weekend, according to manager Ian Street.

In-form AFC Liverpool await tomorrow, Saturday, although the visitors travel to Crosby buoyed by completing a double of pace-setting Runcorn Town.

It leaves them five points adrift of top spot with a game in hand.

Asked if a 3-2 victory against opponents who had collected maximum points from their previous nine matches was his best since taking charge, Street replied: “In terms of its timing, it may well be.

“If we’d lost, then we’d have fallen 11 points behind them. You have to say that’s too far.

“My lads knew the significance of winning the game, and what affect it might have on everybody else.

“We can’t just sit back now and think ‘job done’.

“It’s a massive week for us, and we’ve got the first bit right. It would be a shame not to follow that up this Saturday.”

AFC Liverpool, comfortable victors at St Luke’s Barton Stadium in September, will provide formidable opposition.

They have won five of their past seven matches in the North West Counties League’s top flight, losing only once – away to Barnton last month.

1874 have also only beaten the Reds once in five previous meetings, when Tyler Edwards scored a decisive goal in April.

Street said: “Previously, we’ve played with fear against them.

“That happened when we played them earlier this season; we seemed to go into our shells even though the way they started the game braced for an onslaught from us.

“We’ll need to be braver in our approach this time around, because wins are what matter at the moment.”

He will be boosted by the return of Danny Thomas after a suspension, while captain Matthew Woolley is available again.

Joe Woolley (hamstring) needs more time to recover from an injury.

Street saved praise for the impact made by Edwards and Dahrious Waldron since they arrived at the club last month.

The latter, in particular, has impressed in a defensive midfield role.

“Those two came in at the right time,” said the Northwich boss.

“It pepped us up when we needed a lift, because I felt we’d hit a bit of a lull.

“They’re both quiet guys, and they’re still getting used to the lads they’re playing alongside. The early signs are positive, though.”

Kick off on Saturday is at 3pm.