Just when you think things could only get better,they don't, writes Alan Bentley.
Stockport arrived at Moorend as the second highest points scorers in National Three North and were confident of extending their 24 points per match average.
Cleckheaton were keen to produce the sort of performance which would more truly reflect the all-round effort and commitment already shown this season but without the results to back it up.
In the end, a last minute try by Stockport substitute James Drew meant another losing bonus point were the meagre reward for a battling display.
The error strewn first half is probably best forgotten, with only a Matt Bebbington penalty for Stockport troubling the scorers.
The two packs were quite evenly matched, with Cleckheaton bolstered by the inclusion of Carl Mason in his more accustomed role of prop forward and Lance Hamilton returning to the back row.
Stockport were very keen to move possession to their fleet-footed back line which was very quick to change the line of attack and create overlaps.
As a result the Cleckheaton defensive line had to be on its mettle and in general stood up well to the task.
Stockport increased their lead to six points in the 49th minute when full-back Steve Pearson landed a penalty, while seven minutes later Ross Hayden was successful with his third attempt at goal to put the home side on the board.
Cleckheaton seemed to grow in confidence and an attack, started by Hayden, was carried on by Tom Clough and taken into Stockport territory.
Momentum was continued by the pack but a handling error relieved the pressure on the visitors and possession was lost.
With seven minutes of normal time to play Hayden levelled matters with a penalty and a shock result was on the cards.
Both defences were tight but Cleckheaton had their tails up. As play ebbed into injury time a home touchfinder kick failed to reach its target and the ball was run back.
Several rucks later substitute James Drew was put through a gap and Stockport celebrated their good fortune.
A very evenly contested match, very well refereed by Jonathan Owen, saw no yellow cards or red cards to deplete numbers and another lesson for Cleckheaton in how to retain possession to build pressure.
n A trip to West Hartlepool tomorrow offers another chance for that vital win before the Christmas break. Kick-off is at 2.15pm and the coach leaves Moorend at 10am.
n Cleckheaton's Boxing Day match against Old Brods at Moorend will kick off at 11am.