FANS URGED TO ROAR FOR BEARS (From Warrington Guardian)

FANS URGED TO ROAR FOR BEARS

CONGLETON Town supporters are being urged to roar on their team this Saturday to help secure the Bears' first division survival.

Fourth from bottom Congleton take on Great Harwood Town, one place below them in the last match of the season for both sides.

A draw will be enough to keep the Bears up, although Great Harwood would need a win to ensure they beat the drop, with Whitley Bay and bottom side Alfreton filling the relegation spots.

''We are hoping everyone and his dog will come down to Booth Street on Saturday to cheer us on,'' said Congleton Town secretary Dave Wilcock.

''We only need a draw from the match, but will be looking for a win.''

Congleton go into Saturday's match on 38 points, one above Great Harwood, and three and six clear of Whitley Bay and Alfreton, each with two left to play.

The Bears earned a vital point on Tuesday night with an excellent 1-1 draw at fifth-placec Radcliffe Borough, following a 3-2 defeat at Stocksbridge on Saturday.

Graham Dodd put Congleton ahead against Radcliffe in the 24th minute when he headed home from six yards after connecting with a Wayne Johnson header into the area.

Congleton keeper Stuart Heeps kept his side ahead with two top class saves in the first half, a tip over and a point blank block in a one on one.

Radcliffe pushed forward in the second half, and were rewarded with an equaliser on 69 minutes courtesy of some slack defending by Congleton, a striker heading in from close range.

Congleton came close to scoring the winner from a series of four corners in succession, the first two being cleared off the line and Chris Bermingham hitting the bar with the last.

Stocksbridge took the lead on Saturday after only two minutes, but Congleton drew level five minutes before the break when a shot from Dodd hit Rod Thornley and flew in.

The Bears took the lead two minutes into the second half with a Dodd penalty after Robbie Hope was brought down in the box.

However Stocksbridge fought back to make it 2-2 with 15 minutes left, and scored the winner 10 minutes from the end.

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