Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division: Liversedge 1 Handsworth Paramore 1

JONATHAN Rimmington’s Liversdege boosted their survival bid by holding the leaders to a draw at a damp Clayborn last night.

Sedge’s ground has had its problems this term but the game was one of only two of the five scheduled in the league’s two divisions that beat yesterday’s weather.

A local referee deliberated over his decision when conducting a 3pm pitch inspection but eventually passed it fit and, despite some heavy rain during the game, it reached a conclusion.

The home side’s Benny Igiehon gave them a lead on the quarter-hour with a shot from an angle that beat the visitors’ keeper on his near post, the leaders levelling when Simon Harrison slotted in early in the second half.

Sedge defended well, especially in the latter stages with bodies on the line, but there were chances for them, as well as the high-flying visitors, who were looking to extend their four-point lead at the summit.

Rimmington’s men are now just four points below the trapdoor with five games in hand on many of the clubs above it.