ACCRINGTON travelled to the division's runaway leaders Cadishead and acquitted themselves well in what turned out to be Accrington's game of the season despite the 7-4 defeat.

Cadishead were looking to seal the division title, Accrington to keep up their promotion push. In a game that flowed from one try line to the other, neither team dominated, both defences fighting frantically to keep the opposition at bay.

Cadishead opened the scoring with a penalty in front of the posts. In a close fought, exciting first half Accrington kicked two penalties through Steve Ellis to end the half 4-2 up.

In a game between the division's top defences a high scoring game was never a possibility but it was Cadishead who took the initiative early in the second half through two penalties to take the score to 6-4.

Both teams became apprehensive, spilling the ball as the try line beckoned, Cadishead eventually extending their lead through a drop goal.

The final 20 minutes saw both teams pushing for the decisive score and it was Cadishead who buckled under the pressure, with a player being sent off and one sin binned for the last 10 minutes.

Accrington, now with a two man advantage pounded the home team's line and crossed twice but both times the referee pulled them back for a forward pass and a foot in touch.

The final whistle eventually blew as the Cadishead full back made another certain match saving tackle, both teams earning rapturous applause for a display which was a credit to the game.

Accrington play hosts to Widnes outfit Farnworth tomorrow.