TWO superb finishes from Graham Lightbowne earned Great Harwood a welcome point in their battle to stay in the NWCL first division.

The striker twice equalised with strikes from distance in a roller coaster ride of a clash with Abbey Hey.

"Overall I thought we played extremely well and a point was fair on reflection," said Great Harwood boss Denis Underwood.

"We had two spells after we scored where we were all over them but we didn't take our chances.

"But then again, despite gifting them two goals, we did well at the end as they pushed for the last 20 minutes and our keeper Alan Dawson made some great saves to keep us in it."

Dawson had no chance as Chris Singleton put Abbey Hey ahead on 11 minutes or with their second, through Steven Moore on 35 minutes.

In between good work by the impressive Steve Pickup led to Lightbowne equalising with a 30-yard left-foot strike on 14 minutes, but Harwood were then unlucky as Neil Baron hit the bar and Andrew Proctor went close within minutes of them pulling level.

Lightbowne's second, on 50 minutes, was just as spectacular as he netted from 25 yards after Dave Sharples, who was influential in the middle for Great Harwood, had set him up.

Simon Garner was unlucky not to net a winner but in the end they were happy to hold on with Dawson making one stunning double stop late in the game.

GREAT Harwood are in action tonight when they welcome Maine Road to the Showground. Kick off 7.45pm.