PAUL Bowyer said he knew 1874 Northwich’s determination hadn’t diminished before admitting they must improve following a draw with Burscough in the FA Cup.

The Linnets led 2-0 before goals from Matthew Woolley and Scott McGowan ensured there will be a replay of the extra preliminary round encounter on Tuesday.

Four of their five ties in last season’s edition were settled only after a second game.

“It’s not a surprise is it?!” quipped the co-manager afterwards.

“I feel frustrated because we have given away silly goals in the same way as we did last Saturday.

“We’re not quite right defensively, and there’s no single reason or excuse why that’s the case.

“What was encouraging is we showed a willingness to roll up our sleeves and get ourselves out of trouble.”

Chad Whyte and Terry Cummings both made the most of lapses in defence to plunder goals for the home team, who had been drubbed 6-1 at Squires Gate in midweek.

However they were similarly charitable at the back, and Woolley stole in to halve the visitors’ arrears after two defenders allowed the ball to bounce between them.

McGowan restored parity with quarter of an hour left, staying calm to slide a smart finish past goalkeeper Max Povey after Callum Gardner slipped a pass into his path.

Bowyer added: “The [first] goal changed everything and gave us momentum.

“It was a big turning point in the game.

“From 2-2, we might have gone on to win it; if there was to be another goal, it would have been scored by us.”

He told the Guardian that 1874 can ill-afford to repeat the errors that have seen them trail 2-0 in both of their matches so far in a new season.

In their opening North West Counties League fixture against City of Liverpool last week, it ended in a heavy 6-3 defeat.

“It’s been stressed to the lads that we have to get better,” said Bowyer.

“We have to work on cutting out the errors that are being made, and we will do.”

Burscough will visit Barton Stadium in Winsford for a replay on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.