RUNCORN FC Halton kept up the pressure on the top 13 with a well-earned point against highflying Alfreton thanks to an equaliser three minutes from time from player/manager Chris Lightfoot, writes Debbie Quaile.

Lightfoot had ringed the changes following the Linnets disappointing 1-0 defeat at Whitby on Tuesday having completely dominated the second half only to come away with nothing for their endeavours.

Lightfoot brought both himself and Lee Kissock back into the forward line as the Linnets looked to recover ground in the search for a top 13 place.

But it was Alfreton who took the lead after 15 minutes when Mark Sale scored for the away side.

It took Runcorn FC Halton some time to recover but they equalised after 37 minutes when Lee Kissock made no mistake from the penalty spot.

With the game evenly poised the home side nearly took the lead straight after the break when Lightfoot had a close range effort cleared off the line.

The Linnets were devastated midway through the half when Emeka Nwadike bundled the ball over the line to give Alfreton the lead but to their credit the home side never gave up and worked hard to get the equaliser.

Fittingly it was Lightfoot, the player/manager who got the goal, looping a header over the advancing keeper Lee Butler.

With five games in 10 days, Runcorn FC Halton have a tough task to get into the top 13 for a place in Conference North next season but with the spirit and attitude of the players it is not a task that is too much for the current squad.