North West Counties League Premier Division: Runcorn Town 2 Silsden 2

THE Cobbydalers raced into a 2-0 lead at high-flying Runcorn Town but ended up with a point to remain in a relegation place.

Nevertheless, it was a spirited and promising performance by Silsden, who will feel they should have beaten their sixth-placed hosts after being denied by the woodwork twice during Runcorn’s comeback.

The visitors claimed an early lead when Joe Mitchell nodded home Ryan Cattermole’s fourth-minute corner after Kev Ryan had headed it on.

The home side had chances but Chris Wademan had a strong appeal for a penalty before he doubled the Cobbydalers’ lead in the 11th minute with a superb free-kick into the top corner.

Runcorn hit back on the half-hour when Mark Keddie beat Silsden’s debutant keeper Max Dearnley from close range after a bit of pinball in the area.

Then just before the interval, a Mitchell free-kick left Runcorn keeper Daniel Lever stranded but the ball came back off a post.

In the second half, a Josh McNulty effort also hit an upright before the home side levelled through Chris Lawton after a 73rd-minute corner wasn’t cleared.

There was a scare for the Cobbydalers but Dearnley pulled off an outstanding save.

Spokesman Jim Rosser said: “It was the best we’ve played for months and, although it was disappointing that we didn’t win after being 2-0 up and hitting the post twice, the players and management were all very pleased and upbeat after a great performance against a side at the top end.

“Joe (Mitchell) was back to his very best and could have had a hat-trick in the first half but he had to settle for the opening goal.”