TOWN HELD IN SEASON OPENER

Runcorn Town were held to a 2-2 draw by Padiham in their opening North West Counties League Premier Division match, extending their club record unbeaten run to 26 matches.

Town got off to the perfect start with debutant Graeme Mitchell scoring a goal of the season contender in the 13th minute. Padiham defender Luke Thompson's headed a clearance up into the air, with Mitchell despatching the ball into the net with a perfect lob from fully 25-yards.

Both teams then had chances to score with goalkeepers taking centre stage - Padiham's Sean Davis in particular pulling off some fine saves to keep the score down. However in the 31st minute Padiham equalised with Jordan Hulme making no mistake from the penalty spot after a Dean Siadankay foul in the box.

Within five minutes Town were ahead with the goal of the game, last seasons leading scorer James McShane opening his account for this season. Scott Burton delivered a precise 40-yard ball to the feet of Ryan Malone who ran at the visitors defence. He pulled the ball across for McShane who made no mistake to beat Davis.

The second half was just seven minutes old before Padiham equalised for the second time in the game. Town were guilty of pushing up looking for the third with the visitors executing a blistering counter attack which Chris Ridghalgh finished off.

After that it appeared both teams were happy to settle for the draw although Siadankay wasted a glorious chance from close range when a corner was not dealt with, Town's centre half blasting over from six yards out.

It was a good point against last season's fourth placed team and one that we would have taken before kick off, but it speaks volumes for the desire of Town's players that it felt like a loss to many of them as they walked off the field.

Click here for match report

Posted at 14:44 on Monday 8th August 2011 - Viewed 470 times