Cleator Moor Celtic picked up an excellent point at home to FC St Helens but it could have been even better than the 2-2 final score-line.
Manager Brian Dawson said: “We were really pleased with the reaction after last week’s disappointing result.
“We played some excellent stuff but for me the most pleasing thing was the other side of the game. We showed energy and aggression which you definitely need in the North West Counties League when you’re coming up against experienced teams.
“In the first half the boys executed the game plan really well and went ahead through Connor Hammell to give us a 1-0 half-time lead.
“We started the second-half poorly and they had a 20 minute spell which saw them take the lead.
“In recent weeks that was probably the point where we lost belief but to their credit the lads dug deep to get an equaliser and in truth looked the more likely to go on and take the three points.
“We were denied a stonewall penalty in the 90th minute when the impressive Dan Hill was brought down in the box but we are just not getting these decisions at the moment.
“It felt like a defeat after the game but it’s a start for us and something to build on going into next week’s trip to Runcorn.”
Hammill had given Celtic a flying start with the opening goal on three minutes and they were in front until the 54th minute when Steve Ashton levelled. Joe Barker put the visitors ahead six minutes later but Hammill’s second on 75 minutes ensured the points were shared.
St Helens are seventh in the table while Celtic are next to bottom, one place and one point behind next week’s hosts.
