Greenop’s goal secures Town point
RUNCORN TOWN ........ 2 CONGLETON TOWN...2
RUNCORN Town recorded back to back draws with another 2-2 against Congleton Town at the Viridor Community Stadium.
Congleton started well and had a chance inside the first minute with Jonathan Beaumont’s shot which was blocked by Callum Richards.
The visitors took the lead on eight minutes from a well worked set piece. Gary Roberts’ corner found Oliver Jepson and he headed across goal for Aaron Bott to fire in from close range.
Town came back into the game and created a couple of openings. First Craig Cairns found Sam Hunt inside the box and he shot into the side netting.
Then a beautiful through ball from Liam Turner found Cairns who scooped a shot over the bar.
Town equalised on 19 minutes.
Adam Reid came out to claim a free kick and immediately started a counter attack with a big kick upfield. Congleton keeper Dave Parton misjudged a header just outside the box under pressure from Craig Cairns and the Town striker pounced to head home the loose ball for his fifth goal in five games.
Jonathan Beaumont and Tom Pope had chances for Congleton, but neither able to find the target thankfully.
Late in the half Cairns’ shot was spilled by Parton in the Congleton goal, but he was up quickly to block Dale Jennings’ follow up shot. Hunt did get the ball in the net at the third attempt, but either he or Jennings were flagged offside.
There was a stoppage while Parton received treatment as he dislocated a finger making those saves. In true non-league fashion he popped it back into place and was able to finish the game.
Like the first half, it was Congleton on the front foot early in the second half. Adam
Reid had to be on his toes to deny Pope twice. Pete Williams also had a great chance to put his side ahead, but lifted his shot over the bar.
On 69 minutes the visitors did regain the lead.
Aaron Bott intercepted a pass from Marcus James and ran through to finish low past Adam Reid.
Parton’s first half injury didn’t seem to have affected him too much as he made find saves from Jennings and Kieran Holsgrove.
Town kept plugging away and equalised on 87 minutes.
Marcus James’ pass found David Thompson down the left wing and he crossed low for Ben Greenop to score from six yards.