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Runcorn Town remain unbeaten in their pre-season campaign following a 2-2 draw against Vodkat Premier side Colne in a friendly match at Pavilions. However Town could have kept their 100% record up had they converted a number of chances throughout the game.

The now annual match was set up after we travelled up to Colne last season where we lost by the odd goal in nine, and we were delighted to return the compliment this year.

Town opted to start with a strong lineup, with Tony Wynne and Jason McShane getting the nod up front. Town started well and were ahead after just eight minutes when Warren Bellew�s sent in a low cross from the left across goal with Tony Wynne left with a simple tap in.

After the early goal, it turned into quite an open game with good football on display from both teams and both having chances to score. Karl Wills kept the visitors at bay with two fine saves from Colne�s number ten, one in particular being a one handed effort that he tipped over the bar.

At the other end James McShane twice got clear of the defence, with Town shouting for a penalty on one occasion as he appeared to be felled in the box. Wynne also went close when he knocked the ball past the keeper from McShane�s ball through to him, but the angle was too acute to get his shot on target.

The closest either side came was from Ste Latham, who struck the post with a volley direct from Bellew�s corner on the right, but Town went in at the break 1-0 ahead.

The game changed quickly in the second half with two quickfire goals from Colne in the first eight minutes putting the visitors ahead. After 49 minutes, defender Billy Priestley rose unopposed in the middle of the area to head in a corner from the left hand side. It was poor defending from Town, yet more was to follow four minutes later.

Colne were allowed to progress into Town�s half with the ball played across goal to former Runcorn Linnets captain Ste Cunningham who was given acres of space on the edge of the box. He needed no second invitation to curl the ball into the bottom corner of the net past the full length of Wills.

The resilience of Town then showed with the home side equalising on the hour. Ste Latham advanced from midway inside Colne�s half and found himself with just the keeper to beat after lifting the ball over the last defender. He kept his cool to lift the ball over the advancing keeper and into the net for the equaliser.

The game petered out somewhat with numerous changes from both sides, and both sides can be happy with a share of the spoils in a competitive game with lots of good football on show.

This match report represents the views of the author and not particularly that of Runcorn Town FC.