1874 NORTHWICH have an added incentive to register a first league win this weekend – it would be the perfect birthday gift to manager Ian Street.

The boss turns 49 tomorrow, when the newly-formed club travels to Division One pacesetters Daisy Hill, a club with which he started his playing career.

“I’ve a great affection for them,” he said.

“There will a few more family members and friends at the game as it’s just down the road from where we live, so we better not lose this one or it might be a long Saturday night!”

After back-to-back draws, Street is sure a maiden maximum points haul is close.

At least he hopes one is, for he told the Guardian he felt 1874 dropped four points in ties with Oldham Boro and Irlam this week.

In contrast Daisy Hill, following a pair of 2-1 victories, are one success away from equalling their best start to a season at this level since the turn of the century.

He added: “I don’t read too much into Daisy Hill’s results, although beating Atherton LR will give them a boost.

“If anything, we should use it as an extra bit of motivation to knock one of the top teams so far off their perch.

“Patience is important, but the lads were told at training that we need to take more of the chances we create.”

The former Winsford United boss has spent some time on the phone to other managers this week seeking a striker to take the pressure off Mike Brandon, whose partner has had a baby this week.

Street said: “Perfectly understandably, I think it’s been a distraction that has bothered him.

“He’s missed a couple of chances because he’s snatched at them, whereas in pre-season he was rolling them past the goalkeeper almost tacking the mickey.

“Now the baby is here, hopefully he can turn a corner and focus on finding that form he had in pre-season.”

Read a preview of tomorrow's game here: http://bit.ly/14ccHXh