1874 NORTHWICH exited the Cheshire FA Senior Cup following a penalty shoot-out defeat against North West Counties League rivals Alsager.

Goalkeeper Matthew Johnson was decisive for the Bullets, saving spot kicks from Daniel Cawley, Matthew Ward and Stuart Wellstead after the teams had been tied at 1-1 after extra time.

After eight penalties each, the Bullets progressed after converting six.

They had taken the lead on 68 minutes when substitute Jack Woolley, younger brother of 1874 captain Matthew, capitalised on a mistake by Corey Mason.

After advancing past Craig Farnworth, he steered a smart finish out of custodian Matthew Conkie’s reach.

The hosts drew level with time running out, Wellstead scoring from a penalty after substitute Matthew Beadle was fouled inside the penalty area.

But Alsager, with former Witton Albion manager Scott Dundas in their dugout, resisted 1874’s attempts to conjure a winner.

The Bullets went closest to an opening goal in the first half too, when ex-1874 wide man Josh Crofts delivered a cross a teammate missed by inches.

At the other end, Aidan Haughton cut inside before unleashing a shot that flashed past an upright.

Danny Thomas, positioned favourably, then shot tamely when a chance fell his way.

When the shoot-out reached sudden death, Johnson parried Cawley’s attempt with the scores at 5-5.

1874 | Conkie (GK), Mason (Cawley 78), Thomas, Farnworth, Lomas, McNichol, Kirk (Ward 67), Matthew Woolley, Jackson, Wellstead, Haughton (Beadle 73) Subs not used Mitchell, Brandon Goal Wellstead 81 (penalty) Booked Thomas

Alsager | Matthew Johnson (GK), Elcock, Connor (Evans 32), Dawson, Chadwick, Tamakloe, Krause, Jones, Shaw (Jack Woolley 64), Smith, Crofts Subs not used Jordan Johnson, Brotherton, Fletcher Goal Jack Woolley 68

Referee Darren Rogers

Attendance 181