FIRST timer Stuart Wellstead rescued a point for Northwich Victoria with nine minutes to spare.

The front runner, signed from neighbours Winsford United, rammed in a late leveller from close range to deny the Dabbers a league double.

He provided exactly what the hosts had missed the rest of the match.

A regular scorer for Blues at a lower level this term – 17 goals from 22 starts in the Vodkat Premier Division – the 25-year-old made a smooth switch during his cameo.

When fellow replacement John McAliskey guided Wayne Riley’s centre into his path with his chest, Wellstead reacted fastest to slam the ball in off the crossbar.

Nantwich had led for more than an hour.

The visitors, hammered by the same opponents in a cup clash only a fortnight earlier, made the most of sloppy defending to strike first.

Michael Lennon ghosted between two back-markers to run clear, leaving Lewis Short with a simple tap-in after keeper James Spencer had steered the striker’s shot into his path.

Vics dominated after that.

The home team had seemed certain to lead before Short struck, Charlie Reeves smuggling Riley’s header off the line after he had met Andy Fowler’s cross.

The latter fizzed an effort wide from the restart after the Dabbers’ opener, then custodian Ben Chapman tipped over Mark Peers’ drilled shot from distance following a short corner.

On 20 minutes Vics crafted their clearest opening, but top scorer Ollie Ryan failed even to make the goalkeeper work when he snatched at the chance.

Peers fared better with his next effort, dipping a drive onto the crossbar to add a near-perfect final flourish to a move that had swept from one side of the pitch to the other via Riley and Neil Sorvel.

But Nantwich, resolute in defence, continued to repel Vics’ advances.

Brian Summerskill shot high when Chapman’s weak punch fell to him, then Reeves turned one-man resistance again when he twice denied Steve Woods from close range from another Riley corner.

The pattern appeared set to continue after half time when Summerskill stooped to head in Riley’s assist only to send his finish skywards.

But Vics’ momentum stopped there and then.

Andy Preece acted quickly, throwing on John McAliskey and Stuart Wellstead, to deserved dividend.

Another replacement, Michael Byron, had sliced horribly off target after Woods’ deep free kick had been flicked on, then a defender diverted Graeme Law’s shot to safety.

A leveller arrived on 81 minutes when McAliskey was aware enough to plant Riley’s cross in a perfect place for Wellstead to pounce.

Vics’ Star Man Steve Woods. An assured performance by Vics’ most experienced defender, who marshalled the backline expertly.

Woods was dominant in the air and on the ground against the Dabbers’ forwards, looking unflustered for the duration.

Word too for second half substitutes John McAliskey and goalscorer Stuart Wellstead, who helped the hosts to recapture the initiative they had enjoyed before half time.

Vics (4-3-3) Spencer (GK), Law, Woods, Collins (Byron 75), Thompson, Peers (Wellstead 71), Summerskill, Sorvel, Fowler (McAliskey 65), Ryan, Riley
Subs not used McArdle, Fitzpatrick
Goal Wellstead 81

Nantwich (4-4-2) Chapman (GK), Ashley Carter, Reeves, Flynn, Jack, Blake, Blackhurst, Sedgemore, Short (Mahmoud 85), Lennon, Whittaker (Aspinwall 72)
Subs not used Aaron Carter, Tinson, Street
Goal Short 4

Referee John Dowd (Wirral)
Attendance 587