STEVE Wilkes rested players that featured in an FA Vase semi-final on Sunday when he made 10 changes to Northwich Victoria’s starting line-up at Congleton.

Kieron Kenny was the only one not given a night off.

The Bears ended a six-match winning run for Vics in the North West Counties League’s top-flight when they completed a double with a 2-1 victory.

Billy Hasler-Cregg put the home team in front before Dan Cope met Dean Warburton’s cross with a header to put Brian Pritchard’s men further in front.

Former Congleton front man Brian Matthews halved Northwich’s arrears before the break when he converted a penalty – his 15th goal of the campaign.

Substitute Jack Irlam earned for 1874 Northwich a share of the spoils when he connected with Matthew Woolley’s free-kick in a draw with Squires Gate.

Management duo Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison selected Kyle Phipps, a 17-year-old striker, and midfielder Jake Parker from the start for the first time this season.

However it was the visitors that took the lead at Barton Stadium when Riccardo Egidi turned away from Danny Meadowcroft before firing past goalkeeper Tony Aghayere.

Northwich dominated the second-half and Irlam secured a point on 75 minutes.

Results 

North West Counties League 

Tuesday, March 26 

Premier Division: 1874 Northwich 1-1 Squires Gate (at Winsford United FC); City of Liverpool 2-0 Barnoldswick (at Bootle FC); Congleton Town 2-1 Northwich Victoria; Irlam 1-2 Hanley; Padiham 4-0 Abbey Hey 

First Division South: Rylands 5-0 New Mills