SALE FC suffered only their second defeat of the season on their first visit to Cleckheaton.

The remain second in National Three North after seeing their run of six straight victories ended.

On a sticky pitch it was going to be a testing encounter for both sides. The hosts relied on the kicking game to keep Sale mainly in their own half in the early stages although Sale did manage to gain a number of forays into opposition territory but neither side could secure an early advantage.

Sale claimed the first points on 28 minutes when a break out from their own half saw Matt Simpson race down the right wing before putting in a kick deep into the Cleckheaton 22.

It looked odds on for the home side to collect and clear, but an amazing run from Chris Mayor saw him overhaul the Cleckheaton defender to score the opening try which McGovern converted.

Both sides exchanged penalties and in the later minutes of the half Piper attempted a drop goal from short range which went wide as Sale retained their 10-3 lead at the break.

The second period started well for the Yorkshire side as stand-off Piper secured a drop goal two minutes into the half. Just before the hour mark Cleckheaton scored their first try when all but two of their backs joined a maul to drive hooker Ben Thrower over for a try, well converted by Hayden to put the hosts in front.

Sale lost McGovern to the sin-bin and the hosts repeated the previous move with the same success to extend their lead to 20-10 with 12 minutes remaining. In the final period of the game Sale were rewarded with a try from Danny Waddy, converted by McGovern, but they were unable to capitalise further as the hosts retained their unbeaten home record.