Chadderton held

Chadderton twice surrendered the lead as they were last night held to a 2-2 draw at home by Cheadle Town in the first division of the Vodkat North West Counties League.

Andrew Pheby fired Chadderton ahead midway through the opening half with a shot into the top corner from outside the penalty area, but Andrew Lindon was left unmarked to equalise for the visitors on the stroke of half time.

Chadderton were indebted to new keeper Chris Ventress, who pulled off a string of fine saves in the second half, before Paul Kirwin regained the lead with a debut goal.

Cheadle made in 2-2 with an 85th minute penalty scored by Ben Brookes and they might have snatched victory but for another fine stop by Ventress.