Town hang on for Park Avenue draw

WARRINGTON Town earned a credible but unlikely point on Saturday against promotion challengers Bradford Park Avenue.

The visitors dominated proceedings at Cantilever Park but Ian Street's side were able to hang on for a draw.

Town's offside trap twice spared their blushes as Bradford had goals by Mark Ward and Scott Jackson ruled offside in the second half.

But Warrington almost snatched all three points in the dying stages only for Phil Mitchell to blaze over the bar with the goal unguarded.

Gareth Thomas, signed from North West Counties Division One club Trafford in midweek, made a solid debut in midfield.

Jackson should have scored for Bradford in the 37th minute, but one-on-one with Karl Wills he shot inexplicably wide.

Defender Chris Clarke then looked to have scored with a goal-bound header after the restart, but Ward turned the ball in on the line and drew the linesman's flag.

The official was called into action again in the 56th minute, ruling Jackson offside after he netted with a calm finish.

Town had failed to register any meaningful efforts, but Phil Mitchell was presented with a golden opportunity after a defensive mix-up.

Eluding keeper Piotr Skiba, he needed only a touch to turn the ball into the empty net but skied his effort over the bar.

And a minute later a stunning last-ditch challenge from captain Danny Salt preserved Town's clean sheet.

Town: Karl Wills, Danny Salt, Kevin Hannon, Chris Fitzsimmons, Paul Grogan, Chris Jackson, Phil Mitchell, Gareth Thomas, Graeme Mitchell (Gary Jensen 78mins), Paul Harris, Phil Howard (Ryan Baker 62mins). Sub not used: Lee Thompson.