CONGLETON Town's top five challenge suffered a major blow over Easter as they picked up a solitary point.

The Bears went down 3-2 at home to title challengers Clitheroe on Saturday after battling back from two goals down.

The defeat was followed by a 2-2 draw at Booth Street on Monday against Newcastle Town, the visitors equalising four minutes from time.

The results have left Congleton in tenth place, four points behind Warrington in fifth.

The Bears took the lead on 17 minutes on Monday when a ball played into the Newcastle box hit a defender.

It rolled back across the area to Scully, who slotted home.

Newcastle made it 1-1 on 67 minutes when Congleton keeper Conkie allowed a ball to drop, and Dundas scored from close range.

The Bears regained the lead six minutes later from the penalty spot after Worthington was fouled in the box, Scully converting for his second goal of the game.

Newcastle equalised for a second time on 86 minutes when a free kick was played into the Congleton box.

Gillick fired in a shot with his back to goal, and although Conkie got a hand to the shot could not keep it out.

Clitheroe are five points behind leaders Mossley, but have three games in hand, and took the lead on Saturday on seven minutes.

The Bears claimed Reilly was pushed by Jackson as he was about to pass back to Conkie.

The referee ignored the protests, and Jackson fired past the keeper.

Clitheroe went two up on 16 minutes when a cross was partially stopped by Burke as he raced back to cover.

The ran ball to Jackson, who had time to pick his spot and slot the ball past Conkie.

Congleton fought back with a goal five minutes later from Worthington.

Baccino hooked the ball across the box, where it was blocked but sat up nicely for Worthington to force it home from close range.

Whittingham for Clitheroe was sent off midway through the second half for his second booking, and Congleton made it 2-2 on 69 minutes.

Worthington was again the scorer, firing low into the far corner.

Cryer scored the Clitheroe winner six minutes later with a shot inside the near post, and Baccino was sent off for the Bears late on for two bookings.

Congleton travel to Clitheroe tomorrow, and are at home to St Helens next Tuesday.