ATHERTON Collieries shared the spoils with old rivals Glossop North End in a 1-1 draw at the Kensite Stadium.

The Evo-Stik First Division North fixture was the first Colls had played on Alder Street without the imposing Formby Hall watching over proceedings after its recent demolition.

It was a first game against the Derbyshire outfit since the 2015 MEN United Cup Final when more than 1,000 spectators passed through the turnstiles at Curzon Ashton FC to witness a 2-0 triumph for Glossop.

On Saturday, midfield enforcer Rick Smith made his debut for the Atherton team with left-sided duo Danny Lambert and Gareth Peet returning to the starting line-up.

Facing them was Liam Wood, who was part of last season’s North West Counties League champions, returning to his old stomping ground as part of the North End squad.

The first half was an attritional affair with both sides cancelling each other out. The keepers had the odd shot from distance to contend with but another low- scoring game at The Kensite looked on the cards.

The prime source of excitement for the drenched crowd of 241 before the break was a Glossop fan’s inflatable crocodile being lodged on the clubhouse roof and a dog invading the pitch.

The second half saw Ash Woods have a couple of efforts well saved by North End goalkeeper Russ Saunders, who played for Colls under Dave Conlon nearly 10 years earlier before forging a decent non-league career.

The game looked like meandering towards a stalemate when Colls conceded with 20 minutes remaining.

A functional free kick was pumped into the box and Adam Reid looked like he was going to snaffle the ball, but his hesitation allowed big centre half Courtney Meppen-Walter to outjump his marker and nod into the corner of the net.

Glossop looked to have nicked their sixth consecutive league triumph to consolidate a play-off position and attempted to see the game out in the corner far too early.

Michael Clegg’s team were not deflated by the blow and deservedly drew level five minutes from time, with Darrhyl Mason showing plenty of endeavour and no little flair to set up Iain Howard to score from 12 yards out.

The relief was palpable around the ground but there was still time for Colls to create a chance to snatch a winning goal.

The opening fell to Jordan Cover but he flashed a piledriver wide of the goal and it was the visitors who were glad to hear the final whistle.

All in all a draw was a fair result in a game between familiar foes played in inclement conditions throughout but in the right spirit.

This Saturday Colls play in their first-ever FA Trophy tie, when they visit Stocksbrige Park Steels.

Should a replay be needed that will take place in Atherton the following Monday.