LIVERSEDGE remain eight points off the summit of the Premier Division in the Northern Counties East League with four games in hand after a ding dong 2-2 draw at leaders Penistone Church.

Sedge broke the deadlock early as Alfie Raw netted an excellent shot from the edge of the area.

That seventh minute strike was the only goal of the first half but the home side levelled just minutes after the break, Kieran Ryan on target from a free-kick. Both sides threatened more goals but the crowd had to wait until the final ten minutes when Raw netted a late penalty before Nathan Keightley netted Church’s 88th minute equaliser.

Penistone retain the lead as second-placed Hemsworth were also held to a home draw, the Wells’ clash with Albion Sports finishing goalless despite the home side being awarded a second-half penalty.

Just 30 seconds after the restart Hemsworth midfielder Ryan Carroll was bundled over and Dec Parker placed the ball on the spot but his effort was well saved by Albion keeper Matt Smith.

On yet another Saturday when the weather played havoc with the fixture lists, Eccleshill United were denied a home game against AFC Mansfield and Campion’s home game against Glasshoughton Welfare in Division One was also postponed.

Steeton’s home game at Cougar Park did escape the excessive wet weather so the Chevrons were able to host Prestwich Heys in Division One North of the North West Counties League.

However, it was no blessing as the non-league newcomers from Lancashire ended Steeton’s four-game unbeaten run. Heys were 3-1 winners and they were set on their way by an 18th minute penalty that former Silsden player Zack Dale confidently fired down the middle as home keeper Danny Thorpe dived.

Prestwich doubled their lead just before the hour mark when Joe Rothwell burst through and rounded Thorpe before slotting the ball into the unguarded net. The Chevrons pulled a goal back as Luke Baldwin curled in a free-kick from the edge of the area but Dale matched that as he bagged a brace from a free-kick two minutes from time.

Both sides ended with ten men following a flare up just into stoppage time. Ben Clarkson was the Steeton man to be dismissed.