1874 NORTHWICH reached another milestone last Saturday, although their 200th competitive game ended in the same way as their first had done – without a victor.

They have reason to feel rueful too when Liam Loughlin’s penalty five minutes from time, after referee Thomas Kirk judged Ryan Mitchell to have handled, denied the home team a victory their display had deserved.

A goalless opening period featured an early chance for Bootle’s Ben Hodkinson, who steered Michael Ordish’s cross into goalkeeper Greg Hall’s hands.

The latter then prompted 1874’s custodian to save his low attempt.

At the other end, Scott McGowan’s shot was blocked by a defender before Tom Bailey fired off-target.

The visitors did not make the most of an opportunity at the start of the second period when Hodkinson, after charging down Hall’s attempted clearance, tried to pick out a teammate instead of shooting at goal.

Matthew Russell intercepted.

1874 broke through on 51 minutes, when Sam Hare finished stylishly after meeting Joe Woolley’s cross.

The home team looked more likely to score again, and McGowan lifted his shot high when Hare turned provider.

Jordan Bove, on as a substitute, saw an effort blocked before fellow replacement Jason Carey headed over.

Bootle had a glimpse of goal too when Tony Rendell nodded high, while substitute Steven Jones fired narrowly wide.

And the promotion –hopefuls pinched a point with time running out after Mitchell had been sanctioned, Loughlin scoring at the second attempt after Hall had stopped his initial spot kick.

1874 | Hall (GK), Connor, Russell, Mitchell, Lever, Hare, Joe Woolley, Mark Jones, Bailey, McGowan (Bove 78), Hind (Carey 67) Subs not used Matthew Woolley, Lee Jones, Kennerley Goal Hare 51

Bootle | Ryan Jones (GK), Rendell, Hoy, Coulton (Steven Jones 66), Powell, Woolcott, Halligan, Loughlin, O’Connor (Peers 56), Hodkinson, Ordish (Dalton 82) Subs not used Murphy, Carberry Goal Loughlin 85 Booked Coulton

Referee Thomas Kirk  

Attendance 241

Match report by Garry Clarke