ATHERTON Collieries missed the opportunity to leapfrog Formby into second place in the North West Counties League Division One when they drew 2-2 at Alder House on Saturday.

Going into the match there was just one point separating third-placed Colls and current league champions Formby in second.

Formby took the lead on 19 minutes through a close-range Jason Carey header from corner.

The reigning champions held the lead until half time before Colls stepped up a gear.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men when Emini Adegbenro received a red card midway through the period for a challenge on Daryl Patton.

The man advantage rallied Colls and the equaliser arrived through a Jake Patton volley 10 minutes from time.

It looked like striker Paul Atherton had wrapped up all three points on 86 minutes.

Paul Atherton put himself into Colls record books with his 100th goal for the club, a trademark close-range effort, celebrated by him unveiling a specially prepared vest to mark the occasion.

Formy spoiled the party two minutes later when Anthony Rendall headed past their former keeper Phil Priestley.

The action was not over there, however, with Colls having the chance to win it with an injury-time penalty, but midfielder Daryl Patton saw his effort saved.

In the same division, both Atherton LR and Daisy Hill were beaten, by Oldham Boro (1-0), and 1874 Northwich (3-0) respectively.

Daisy are still looking for their first win since September.