1874 NORTHWICH failed to beat Abbey Hey for the first time, after six successive wins in previous meetings, on Saturday.

Both goals were scored inside the opening 15 minutes.

The home team struck first, Jonathon Hardy scoring at the second attempt after goalkeeper Greg Hall had blocked his initial effort.

However the visitors were level shortly afterwards, when Gareth Wager diverted Mark Jones’ cut-back into his own net conscious 1874 attackers were waiting to apply a finishing touch.

However that was the last involvement for the Northwich captain, who sustained an injury in the build-up and made way for Matthew Woolley.

Neither custodian, Hall at one end and opposite number Dean Williams at the other, were prompted into meaningful action for the remainder of the first half.

Scott McGowan went close to putting his side in front in the second half, but he could not control a lobbed effort – while stretching – and Williams made a save.

Hall then took a turn to keep the scores level, reacting smartly to stop an attempt from long range.

A second successive draw leaves a side co-managed by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison seven points adrift of a top-four position – their stated objective – with six matches left.

Bootle, one place ahead of them, have a game in hand too.

1874 host Maine Road next at St Luke’s Barton Stadium on Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.

Abbey Hey | Williams (GK), Cook, Alexander, Wager, Smith, Hickman, Tinning, Farrand, Blake, Martin (Murray 72), Hardy Subs not used Sven Gibson, Mafolo, Luke Gibson Goal Hardy 7 Booked Alexander, Smith, Hickman Sent off Alexander (second caution)

1874 Northwich | Hall (GK), Connor, Russell, Mitchell, Lever, Hare, Joe Woolley, Mark Jones (Matthew Woolley 23), Bove (Carey 74), McGowan (Whitlock74), Hind Subs not used Lee Jones, Kennerley Goal Wager 11 (own goal)   

Referee Edward Turner

Attendance 157