IAN Street stepped down as 1874 Northwich manager on Saturday night after Runcorn Linnets inflicted on them a humiliating defeat that ended their promotion hopes.

The manager’s departure, close to the end of his fourth season in charge, was confirmed in a brief statement issued by the club this afternoon.

He leaves with the team placed fifth in the North West Counties League’s Premier Division following three successive losses.

“We have accepted Ian’s decision and at the same time would like to acknowledge the tremendous amount of work he has done since his appointment in April 2013,” reads 1874's announcement.

“He has shown so much passion and commitment to ensure we have become a respected member of the league.”

Paul Bowyer, Street’s assistant, and coach Wayne Goodison have agreed to take charge in the short-term.

Their first assignment is to inspire a side low on confidence to overcome neighbours Witton Albion in a Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup semi-final on Thursday.

1874 are the holders after winning last season’s final.

After that, they make a short journey to Barnton next Saturday for a league fixture.

Street took charge for the final time on Saturday, when 1874 took an early lead through Jason Carey’s goal.

However the dismissal of midfielder Lee Jones shortly afterwards, after he was booked by referee Conor Brown for a second time, changed the course of the game.

Linnets were ahead by the interval, and went on to win 4-1 after scoring twice in the closing stages.

The final whistle was followed by ugly scenes, during which Street argued animatedly with a small group of 1874 supporters behind the home team’s dugout.

The Guardian has been told he informed the players of his decision to resign upon returning to the dressing room, and left St Luke’s Barton Stadium shortly afterwards.

Bowyer attended a post-match press conference instead.

He said: “We need to regroup, and quickly.

“We’ve an important game in midweek, and I hope we use it as an opportunity to pull together as a club.

“The lads then need to do their bit on the pitch.”

Street stands down after his 150th league game at the helm.

He delivered a victory in two-thirds of those.

1874 supporters also celebrated their side winning a first trophy since the club’s formation when he masterminded a 3-0 win against Witton in last season’s Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup final.

However frustration among fans has grown in recent weeks following a 1-0 defeat – and a disappointing display – at fellow promotion-hopefuls Atherton Collieries.

That has been followed by meek home reverses against Padiham and then Linnets that have halted 1874’s latest bid to be promoted to the Northern Premier League for the first time.

They were fourth last term, and third 12 months earlier at the end of a maiden campaign in the top-flight.

1874 had accepted an offer to be promoted after Formby, who finished ahead of them on goal difference, resigned unexpectedly from the competition.

“Paul and Wayne will now assume joint responsibility as managers with full support from the club,” concluded 1874’s statement.