RUNCORN FC ... 2

RADCLIFFE BORO ... 2

BOROUGH came back from a disastrous start to get a point in a topsy-turvy encounter at Runcorn on Tuesday.

Borough found themselves two down after only three minutes but eventually got their act together to draw level before the break and fight a rearguard action in the second half.

Neill Hardy replaced the unavailable Chris Denham with Steve Spencer continuing to deputise for the suspended Tony Whealing.

Within two minutes of the kick-off, Runcorn exploited the lack of height in the Borough defence.

A right-wing cross found Matty McGinn unmarked and although Danny Hurst parried the initial effort, full-back David Ness was left with a simple finish.

Incredibly, a second goal followed within a minute and again it was a deep cross from the right which caused the problems. The ball was headed back across goal and Steve Daly muscled in to head firmly past the bemused Hurst.

Borough were left shell-shocked and their defence looked susceptible. The pace and power of Daly coupled with the trickery of Kevin Leadbeater threatened to wreak havoc but Borough gradually began to get the measure of the home attack and began to threaten the Runcorn goal.

Neill Hardy headed straight at goalkeeper Tony McMillan before Jody Banim almost pulled a goal back in the 15th minute, volleying Steve Spencer's free-kick against the post.

Hurst had to be alert in the Borough goal, denying McGinn and Leadbeater and the latter volleyed a half-chance over the bar.

Borough's reward for picking themselves up and playing some creative football came in the 24th minute.

Neill Hardy headed Richard Battersby's deep free-kick back across goal and Simon Kelly was on hand to stab the ball home.

The goal signalled Borough's best phase of the game. Simon Carden twice tested McMillan and Banim was pulled back by Tom Spearitt.

However, Borough almost payed the penalty for their attacking intentions as Runcorn broke out quickly and were denied only by James Prices' excellent covering tackle.

The dangerous Leadbeater almost added to Runcorn's tally but his effort was turned just around the post.

Borough squared matters three minutes before the break and it was the impressive Davey Luker who grabbed the goal to open his Borough account; rising high to head home a left-wing corner.

On the stroke of half-time, the visitors almost took a most unlikely lead when McMillan parried Karl Marginson's near post shot following excellent approach work by Banim and Hardy.

The second-half saw Runcorn pushing forward to restore their lead but now the Borough defence had learnt their lesson and produced a well-organised performance.

Luker was coolness personified but every man played his part. Little was seen of Borough as an attacking force but they had their sights firmly set on the draw and were not to be denied.

Danny Hurst recovered from a shaky start to produce some fine saves and midfielders Carden and Marginson worked tirelessly for the cause.

The point was hard earned and seemed most unlikely after the dreadful start.

Runcorn are sure to feel they let a golden opportunity slip but Borough had chances of their own and could then have grabbed the winner themselves.

Boro: Hurst 6, Battersby 6, Spencer 6, Kelly 7, Luker 8, Sampson 6 (Elliott 6), Marginson 7, Carden 7, Hardy 6, Banim 6, Price 6.