THE narrative was supposed to be familiar; a plucky underdog attempts to topple a higher-ranked rival to cause an upset.

But this plot became twisted.

There was little surprise at the outcome, and the result was a reward for the better team on the day.

The sight of North Ferriby United, who lifted the FA Trophy at Wembley only two years ago, shifting both of their central defenders to striking roles in a desperate bid to score an equaliser was a compliment to their hosts.

1874 Northwich were not required to reproduce their incisive attacking best, which had got them to this stage, in order to continue a historic FA Cup run to the third qualifying round.

They had a helping hand this time, with substitute Kyle Dixon’s own goal proving decisive.

To suggest that they are lucky to progress would be plain wrong though.

The Villagers’ replacement had an ignominious 30 seconds, and his first contribution was to needlessly foul Sam Hind with a nudge from behind.

From the resulting free-kick, under-hit by Taylor Kennerley, he watched aghast as the ball squirmed into the net off his left leg.

There was still half an hour left, but Ferriby gave the impression of a side that didn’t believe they could recover.

A defence marshalled by Danny Meadowcroft confirmed that hunch.

They went closest when Jake Skelton shot powerfully, but goalkeeper Greg Hall was alert to block at his near post.

Jake Picton blazed high too.

Scott McGowan almost added a flourish to his side’s memorable afternoon, only for his curling shot to drift narrowly wide.

When the final whistle sounded, realisation struck.

This is only the fourth FA Cup campaign for a club formed in 2012, and in each of the previous three they were eliminated at the second stage.

Now in uncharted territory, their supporters are loving the ride.

And they will have felt encouraged during the early stages on Sunday.

Ferriby did not disguise their fragility and panicked clearances – plus a kick to fresh air by Picton under no pressure – served as illustrations.

They are bottom of the National League North, and were relegated from non-league football's top tier last season.

When McGowan’s speed propelled him to reach Adam Whitlock’s pass before goalkeeper Ross Durrant in the sixth minute, the crowd gasped.

However the angle was acute, and his shot struck the side-netting.

Jake Parker then lofted an attempt over the bar after Lee Jackson’s simple throw served as an assist.

The game’s most memorable moment followed on 31 minutes.

McGowan spun into space with a sharp turn and let fly, left-footed, with a scorching shot bound for the top corner.

Durrant’s response was jaw-dropping, diving full-stretch to his right to divert the ball to safety.

The visitors conjured an opening of their own when Bobby Johnson’s neat header nudged the ball into Simon Russell’s path from Leigh Hutchinson’s cross.

However the midfielder’s effort lacked force, and Hall saved comfortably.

Ferriby enjoyed more controlled spell of possession early in the second period, but it was not penetrative.

1874’s threat remained, and Jack Pritchard’s header called Durrant into action after Parker nodded the ball back across goal.

Dixon’s disastrous cameo followed eight minutes later, although he will not have realised until later just how significant his aberration was to the home team.

1874 | 4-2-3-1 | Hall (GK), Connor, Meadowcroft, Pritchard, Lee Jackson, Matthew Woolley, Parker, Whitlock (Beadle 46), Hind (Waite-Jackson 80), Kennerley (Woods 72), McGowan Subs not used Riley, Clayton, Lever, Spencer (GK) Goal Dixon 64 (own goal) Booked Beadle (handball)

Ferriby | 4-4-2 | Durrant (GK), Cooke, Picton, Skelton, Brogan, Johnson, Fry (Dixon 62), Russell, Rzonca (Bateson 74), Hutchinson, Ambalu (Gray 69) Subs not used Barrows, Keyi, Gomes, Exall (GK)

Referee Leigh Doughty

Attendance 439