Accrington Stanley 2 Northwich Victoria 2

Last updated : 24 February 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Accrington Stanley had to come from behind to keep their promotion hopes alive against a resolute Northwich Victoria.

The Reds, who drew 2-2 away to Woking last weekend, seemed to be out of sorts from the kick-off.

And it was no surprise that Chris Thompson gave basement side Northwich the lead after 33 minutes.

Thompson rose brilliantly to direct a powerful header from a Steven Nicholas cross to give Northwich the early initiative.

And that was the way it stayed until after the interval when Accrington looked to up their game.

Shaun Came fouled Andy Gouck in the 59th minute and Lutel James made sure from the penalty spot for his 16th league goal of the season.

Five minutes later, Accrington were in front after Rory Prendergast showed his athleticism to direct a James cross into the Northwich net.

But Northwich, who have won just once away from home all season, just would not lie down and thanks to Steve Garvey they deservedly levelled matters.

In the 77th minute, Garvey turned on the proverbial sixpence on the edge of the penalty area and fired hard and low into the bottom left hand corner.

Northwich manager Shaun Teale was understandably delighted with his team's efforts, as the Cheshire side have lost 13 of their last 14 Conference matches.

Garvey's goal, his fourth in the league this season, capped off a glorious afternoon for Northwich, who are hoping to pull themselves off the foot of the table.