WINNING a competitive game for the first time since October, 1874 Northwich held off a spirited Stockport Town comeback to seal an entertaining FA Cup extra-preliminary round tie 2-1 at the Stockport Sports Village.

A frantic opening ten minutes saw both sides go close to scoring, Liam Fitzpatrick firing a shot into the side netting for 1874 and Stockport’s Kai Johnson forcing two good saves from 1874 keeper Mike Shorthouse.

Matty Fenton was causing the home side problems with his long throw ins, one of which a defender headed onto the roof of his own net.

In the 12th minute Stockport failed to deal with one of his throws allowing Ash Wardle to cross the ball back into the box for Joel Jones to score from close range.

On the stroke of half time Fitzpatrick stabbed an effort under Stockport goalkeeper Josh Schofield, but a defender managed to clear off the line.

1874 doubled their advantage two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first half.

Stockport could only clear a corner as far as the edge of the box where Jacson Coppack unleashed a thunderous drive which rattled the underside of the bar, bouncing downwards allowing Tom Morris to head home the rebound from close range.

However, an eagled eyed assistant referee indicated Coppack's shot had already crossed the line.

The second half was a scrappier affair with Stockport pulling a goal back when Dan Lewis took advantage of a defensive lapse in the 55th minute.

Pushing forward in search of an equaliser Stockport dominated the remainder of the game although 1874 had chances to extend their lead.

Fitzpatrick headed against a post in the 85th minute and Stockport goalkeeper Josh Schofield saved bravely at the feet of Joel Jones to block the follow up.

In the closing stages Stockport launched wave after wave of attacks on the 1874 goal but were constantly thwarted by a resolute 1874 defence which held firm with defenders throwing their bodies in the way of goal-bound shots while Shorthouse pulled off a number of good saves.

1874 Northwich now visit another NWCFL Premier Division side Longridge Town in the preliminary round on Saturday, August 17. Longridge beat Cheadle Town 2-0 in the extra preliminary round.

1874: Shorthouse, Osbourne, Wardle, Fenton, M Jones, Morris, Rhodes, Coppack, J Jones, McKean, Fitzpatrick. Subs used Woolley, McGowan, Anderson, L Davin.