Runcorn FC Halton 2 Lancaster City 2
IT WILL go down locally, in years to come, as one of those great bar-room trivia questions.
Which team played its final home match of the 2004-05 season on the champions' ground yet took the drop? Unfortunately, Runcorn fans will know the answer only too well.
As rivals Southport celebrated Nationwide North title success, the prevailing mood inside Haig Avenue was much more sobering.
Yet Runcorn at least ended a miserable year defiantly as Nicky Young twice fired Steve Soley's already-relegated side back for a point.
Leading marksman Young took his goal tally for the season to 17 as all around him again missed the target
Young once more shouldered the responsibility to spare Runcorn from defeat after Ryan-Zico Black had shot Lancaster ahead in the 51st minute.
Young's two goals came in the last seven minutes and were separated by another from Black, who could have made it safe with better finishing.
Eight minutes after clipping the ball exquisitely inside Runcorn's right post after a Lancaster break, Black squandered a routine opportunity.
With Neil Thompson stranded, the striker's rebound effort came back off defender David Ness' hip and into the grateful keeper's arms.
At the other end, former Runcorn number one Tony McMillan blocked a shot with his legs after Matty McGinn had meandered through.
Phil Denney then fluffed a chance from Young's cross. Although 11 minutes after the break, and with Runcorn trailing, the former Radcliffe man made a better fist of another volley.
McMillan this time made a reaction save and was equal to the effort.
After falling behind, Runcorn finally got back on terms in the 83rd minute. Mike McGinn combined with brother Matty, whose cross was headed in at the near post by Young.
Just a minute later, Black's low, curling shot re-established City's lead but Young pounced on Lee Parle's pass to salvage a draw with a left-foot drive.
RUNCORN: Thompson, Spearritt, Carragher, Moore, Ness, Parle, Heenighan, Jack (Taylor 57), Young, Denney (Mike McGinn 71), Matty McGinn. Subs: Van Blerk, Soley. Attendance: 141.
