After a 5-1 home defeat by West Auckland on Saturday, Penrith travelled for the return last night with some degree of trepidation.
That was intensified in the first minute when the hosts, chasing a play-off place, went in front.
But the Bonnyblues responded superbly and had drawn level before half-time, proving to be the better team in the second-half without quite being able to grab a winning goal.
It finished 1-1 and was quite a response after the drubbing they received at Frenchfield on Saturday.
Chairman Billy Williams said: “It was a pleasure to be there to see it. After Saturday I think we all geared the worst but the lads responded superbly.
“When they scored in the first minute I think well thought ‘here we go again’ but credit to our lads they dug in well.
“I think they were the better side in the first-half but our equaliser gave us heart and in the second half we were definitely the better side. We had two or three good chances but the efforts were just wide in the end.”
James Harrison had given West Auckland their early lead and a repeat of Saturday, when the were 4-0 ahead by half-time, looked on the cards.
But the home side was shocked on 29 minutes when Penrith scored a fine equaliser.
“It really was a good team goal. We worked it well and Robbie Hebson produced a smart finish.
“That will give the team a lot of heart because we have an even tougher test on Saturday when we go to League leaders Bishop Auckland. A lot will depend on any injuries we have picked-up and players’ availability at the weekend,” said Williams.
