Runcorn Linnets 1 Bacup and Rossendale Boro 1

Bacup and Rossendale Borough put in a terrific performance to upset leaders Runcorn Linnets and come away with a valuable point.

The away side started the stronger and could have scored just a minute in when Adrian Bellamy’s cross found Nathan Finnigan but his shot was just blocked from the six-yard box.

But the good start by Bacup paid off when a teasing Matty Bryan corner was swept in by Bellamy in the 10th minute.

Ryan Humphries should have doubled the lead five minutes later but fired over.

The match was then held up for 20 minutes after the referee was carried off after suffering a twisted knee.

The hold up seemed to affect Bacup more as they lost their momentum and Runcorn began to get on top.

Runcorn took control in the second half but Bacup had a great chance to double their lead when Humphries had a shot hooked off the line.

Soon after the referee gave a penalty to the home side for an apparent handball on Laquan Esdaille which looked extremely harsh.

Kevin Towey stepped up for Linnets and his spot-kick was just too powerful for O’Boyle to keep out.