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A last minute Alex Welsh header cancelled out a Darren Chadwick penalty as Congleton Town had to settle with a point against ten men Squires Gate.
The Lancashire side welcomed Congleton to the Brian Addison Stadium with The Bears looking to return to winning ways after two games without a win in the league.
It looked a cert Richard Duffy’s side were going to hold on to their 1-0 lead until a last minute Welsh header meant the spoils were shared.
In a bid to turn results around, The Bears completely changed their personnel with Richard Duffy returning to the centre of defence to make a back five while Tom Hampton lead the line a front two alongside Tom Pope.
Congleton found joy in the first half with this system, having numerous chances to break the deadlock.
Hampton struck a volley from the edge of the Squires Gate box that forced a fingertip save from Nathan Pennington, while Tom Pope was also denied a clear goal by a heroic last-ditch challenge from Rowan Chambers.
Despite heading into the interval level, The Bears had a man advantage with Theodore Ball being sent off with what was perceived as a stamp by the referee.
The visitors came flying out the traps and utilised the man advantage, with a goal looking destined to arrive at any moment.
The biggest chance felt to Shakeel Jones-Griffiths who struck from the edge of the box, but saw his strike crash against the post.
Jones-Griffiths, involved in a lot of Congleton’s good work, was the creator of the first goal as it was his smart footwork that resulted in Nathan Bartram-Conway having to bring the midfielder down in the area, with Chadwick calmly slotting home from the spot.
Congleton refused to rest on their laurels with Jonathon Beaumont and Tom Pope both missing golden chances to put the game to bed.
Dave Parton, who was outstanding in Saturday’s stalemate versus Avro, looked to had won the game for Congleton late on with an outstanding acrobatic save to deny a fierce effort from Nathan Cliffe.
However, in the dying embers, Parton’s save proved not enough as a deep Squires Gate free-kick was met by the head of Welsh who fired past Parton to earn the hosts a point.
Congleton will now prepare for the visit of Irlam on Saturday at the Cleric Stadium.
Come on you Bears!
