NORTHWICH sides were in FA Cup action on Saturday.

1874 Northwich marched into the first qualifying round thanks to their victory at Longridge Town, while Witton Albion and Northwich Victoria face replays at home in midweek.

Chris Herbert’s 74 came from a goal behind to win 3-1, making it four wins from four to start the new season.

They went behind when Mitchell Marshall netted after 13 minutes but Scott McGowan marked his first start since returning to the Greens with a trademark chip over the keeper to balance the scores after 35 minutes.

Matt Woolley then produced a wonder first goal of the season, lofting the ball inch perfect over the Longridge stopper from long distance to put 1874 in front after 58 minutes.

And the scoring was completed when Joel Jones drove into the box from the right wing and fired into the top corner after 80 minutes.

"It was an unbelievable performance from the lads," said Herbert.

"We dug in when we had to after going 1-0 down against a very strong Longridge.

"They took the lead probably against the run of play at the time but they were decent, attacking well and getting behind us at times.

"Once we figured out it was more of getting a foothold in midfield I felt we pushed on after we'd done that."

And with the smile of a Cheshire cat on his face, Herbert added: "What a goal by Matty Woolley! He's not mentioned it at all!"

Witton also looked good for progressing through the preliminary round but conceded a late equaliser to South Liverpool.

Joe Duckworth put Albion in front with his second goal of the season after 34 minutes but Neil Weaver squared matters in the second minute of added time to force a replay on Tuesday night.

Vics found a way to negotiate debutant goalkeeper Ryan Livesey’s 41st-minute second yellow card to earn a draw and replay on Tuesday with Barnoldswick Town.

Kaleb Parkinson had put The Trickies ahead after 23 minutes but the hosts levelled matters in the 56th minute courtesy of a Brad Ditch header.

And soon after Barlick were also reduced to 10 men, with J’nai Butterfield-Steede being sent off.

Meanwhile, in the North West Counties Football League First Division South, Winsford United ran riot against Foley Meir.

Elliott Coleman and Ollie Pope each took their scoring rate to four goals in three matches with braces in the 5-0 success at Barton Stadium.

Jack Woolley was Blues’ other scorer, helping his side climb to third place in the table.

Barnton, who will host Winsford at Townfield next Wednesday, were beaten 3-1 at home by Abbey Hulton United.

Debutant Archie Wilkinson scored The Villagers’ consolation effort in the 78th minute.