THE long losing run is at an end for 1874 Northwich.

Since a goalless draw with Stalybridge Celtic in mid-December – a run stretching back 14 games in all competitions – they have known nothing but defeat, but that changed today as they took a point from Trafford.

Oliver Partington’s second-half equaliser secured a 2-2 draw for Greens that ensured that, while their hopes of avoiding relegation from the Northern Premier League West Division remain slim, they are still just about alive.

They had taken the lead at Shawe View thanks to Isaac Noble’s opener, but two goals in as many minutes put the hosts ahead as Tom Beckett and Matty Lusakueno struck before the break.

However, Partington’s leveller just after the interval allowed them to come away with a point to take some kind of momentum into their home game against Newcastle Town on Easter Saturday.

Witton Albion’s ambitions are much loftier as they look to escape the division at the top end – and they took a big step towards doing that on Saturday.

Only goal difference now keeps Jon Macken’s side out of the NPL West play-off places after they marked their first home game in a month with a 2-0 win over Chasetown.

Elliot Rokka got the ball rolling before half time before Harry Brazel rounded off the scoring as the game entered its final stages.

And manager Jon Macken was pleased with how his side handled the blustery conditions at the U Lock It Stadium.

“We’re really pleased with the win and I thought it was a good performance,” he said.

“The conditions were terrible for both teams and in the first half, we had the wind and you could see how difficult it was for them and us as well.

“Sometimes it’s more difficult when you’re playing with the wind to find your range and distances, but we came out and controlled the game in the second half.

“Being against the wind helped us in a way as we controlled it and created half-chances.

“At this time of year, it’s about results and today, we got one.”

Witton visit Hednesford Town on Saturday before the Northwich derby against 1874 at the U Lock It Stadium on Easter Monday.

Elsewhere, assistant manager Chris Broad insists there are positives Northwich Victoria can take from a 4-1 defeat at Highgate United this afternoon.

Eli Fisher scored Vics’ only goal but by the time he found the net, his side were already 4-0 down.

However, Broad said he and manager Matt Barnes were happy with the character their players showed to finish the game strongly.

“At 4-0 down with 20 minutes left, we showed some good character and had three or four good chances,” he said.

“The third goal killed us as much as the second one, which came so early after half time.

“It was a fair result but not a fair scoreline.”

In the North West Counties League, Winsford United endured a tough afternoon as they were thrashed 4-0 by high-flying Sandbach United.

Blues were behind early on against the side sitting third in the Division One South table as George Kattah opened the scoring, with Stanley Tatters doubling Sandbach’s lead shortly afterwards.

Josh Oultram and Harry Payne then added late gloss to the scoreline, with Winsford still 18th in the table as a result.

Barnton came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw with Cammell Laird at Townfield to move up to 11th.

Amir Hajri struck the leveller for the Villagers just after half time after they had fallen behind early on to Matthew Beaman’s opener.