FEW would have seen a 4-2 loss coming at Squires Gates for 1874 Northwich.

The Blackpool side had lost all four previous games this season.

Yet after 33 minutes on the Lancashire coast on Tuesday night they deservedly led 4-0.

A fifth goal could have been conceded but a 30-yard effort skimmed off an 1874 post.

Credit 1874 for turning the tide at that stage, but on the back of a 3-2 home loss to Irlam at the weekend there looks to be work to do for a side that were set to be crowned North West Counties League Premier Division champions last season until Covid-19 wiped the campaign out.

Mark Jones provided 1874 with a lifeline in added time to the first half with a half volley from a corner and Jake Parker cut the deficit to two goals in the 64th minute.

There was still plenty of time then for one of those amazing fightbacks the greens pulled off last term but it was not to be on this occasion.