IAN Street admitted it felt as if time had stopped while watching substitute Chrysty O’Brien’s shot drop into the net to secure a draw for Maine Road against 1874 Northwich.

Tom Bailey had given the visitors the lead, with four minutes left, only moments earlier.

“It was in slow motion,” said the manager.

“We were stood right behind it – the ball deflected off one of our lads and looped into the corner – and called it from the moment it left his foot.

“It was avoidable; we’d needlessly given away possession at the other end of the field, and they’ve hit us on the break again.”

A tie leaves 1874 fourth in the North West Counties League Premier Division table, two points adrift of leaders Bootle.

Elsewhere, Atherton Collieries saw off West Didsbury 3-1 while wet weather left the table-toppers and both Runcorn teams – Town and Linnets – without a game.

And Northwich still haven’t beaten their hosts at Brantingham Road.]

Street said: “I’m gutted at the result, because it feels to me like we’ve lost.

“The lads were upset too, but I can’t knock them after they put in so much effort.

“I got everything that I asked for before kick-off.

“It’s two points dropped, even when you take into account our record here. This place has done us again, hasn’t it?

“When you take the lead so late on, you have to hang on.

“We didn’t, we have to accept it and move on quickly.”

1874 return to action at home to Hanley next Saturday.

1874 Northwich reaction: