1874 Northwich manager Chris Herbert had a big grin on his face when commenting on the debutant who came off the bench to help the Greens progress in the FA Cup on Saturday.

If 43-year-old schoolteacher Mark Reed considered his appearance in the 3-1 success at Longridge Town was going to be a one-off, 1874’s part-time head coach might have to think again as a laughing Herbert said: “Now he’s back playing – he doesn’t know that yet!”

Reed, who had an 18-year career as a semi-professional footballer and remains as Buxton’s all-time leading scorer with 251 goals, actually hung up his boots five years ago.

But Herbert sent his right-hand man out onto the field at Longridge as a 73rd-minute replacement for another veteran striker, Scott McGowan, confident he could do the job asked of him as 1874 set about holing on to their 2-1 lead.

“Reedy’s a fit lad, he looks after himself and plays veterans football and stuff like that,” said Herbert, who appointed the Buxton legend to his management team in April – leaving a similar role with Vauxhall Motors in order to take up the position.

“He came on and won nearly every header. He’s going to be a big part in what we’re trying to do.

“When you want to see a game out or we’re attacking set pieces he’s big for things like that so he’s going to come in very handy.”

Reed, based in Ellesmere Port and a teacher of PE, art and history at Neston High School in Wirral, also previously held a head coach’s position at Runcorn Town.

He has other duties in the sport too, including being the secretary of Wirral Schools Football Association and has gained some refereeing experience.

As well as Buxton, Reed had playing spells with Chester FC, Glossop North End, Vauxhall Motors and Cammell Laird.

But as far as his focus goes with 1874, it has to be said it is a case of so far, so good.

His coaching has helped the Greens win their opening four games of the new season while also dipping his toe back into life as a striker!