PAUL Moore admits sending on Jordan Cobley was a gamble that paid off after he scored an equaliser that earned for Northwich Victoria an FA Cup replay with 1874 Northwich.

The teenager found the net with his first touch to complete a comeback from 2-0 down that started when Brian Matthews steered in a header midway through the second half.

“It’s the stuff of dreams, isn’t it?” said Vics’ manager afterwards.

“There were a few lads stood behind me talking about Jordan, and urging me to put him on.

“But we needed to get that first goal, and Brian popped up.

“After that I had a decision to make; do I take a risk and maybe lose 3-1 or be brave and try to salvage something?

“I went for it, and it worked for us.”

Vics had started slowly, and full-back Daniel McDonnell was spooked into conceding a penalty when he hauled back 1874 wide man Taylor Kennerley inside five minutes.

Scott McGowan netted from the spot, then doubled the visitors’ tally with a lobbed attempt on the hour that took a slight deflection off Adam Lawrence.

In between, 1874’s Paul Connor had been sent off for his part in a clash with Sam Marshall.

Moore said: “I’ve no complaints about the penalty; it was silly defending.

“They had a bit of luck with the second when it spun over [goalkeeper] Richie [Mottram], but I was already frustrated because we were still inside the dressing room.

“But the spirit and endeavour my players showed after that will stand us in good stead.

“I’m really pleased that we’re still in the competition, and 1874 know now that they’re in a game.”