ATHERTON Town offered further evidence of their ability to hold their own in the Premier Division in a 1-1 draw with Prestwich Heys on Saturday.

The newly-promoted Howe Bridge club have taken five points from their first five games – a tally manager Shuan Lynch believes could have been even higher if pacy striker Gaz Shaw had enjoyed a fairer rub of the green.

Shaw was denied a second-half penalty that could have secured all three points, and that, according to Lynch was just the latest in a series of refereeing decisions that have frustrated both club and player in the early weeks of the season.

“That was the fourth stonewall penalty appeal Gaz has had turned down,” Lynch said.

“He’s quick and gets away from defenders – just as he did on Saturday when he was brought down just inside the box after being put clean through.

“I’m getting fed up with the officials and so is he.”

Despite the disappointment, Lynch acknowledged a draw was a fair result after an even contest – Nick Eastham crossing for Dane Grimes to equalise just before half time after Heys had taken a 25th-minute lead from the penalty spot.

“We had chances and their keeper made some good saves, but we are looking okay. We have a strong squad and I know we shouldn’t have any major problems in this division.”

Champions Hindsford returned to the top of the table when they came from behind to beat Chapel Town 4-1 at Squires Lane.

After a scoreless first half, the visitors took the lead five minutes into the second period, prompting Hindsford manager Barry Massey, who had selected a youthful starting line-up, to inject some experience from the subs’ bench.

Tom Valentine made only a brief apperance, limping off with a hamstring injury just minutes after being sent on, but not before netting the equaliser.

Fellow sub Luke Sylvestre put Hindsford ahead then Jack Valentine - who had replaced his injured brother - scored the third and fourth goals to underline their second-half dominance.

“The young lads I started with did well but they just couldn’t finish, so I needed a bit more experience up front, and thankfully it paid off,” Massey said.

Breightmet United returned to Division One action with a 1-1 home draw with Pennington - a performance that showed there have been no ill effects from their management upheaval.

Boss Simon Wilcox is back in charge after being persuaded by his players to rethink his decision to quit the role, and saw a spirited performance as the Moss Park men came from behind to earn a point.

Kieron Halliwell put Pennington ahead on 25 minutes but Chris Coyne put Wilcox’s men back on terms before half time with a good strike.

Breightmet’s prospects were not helped when Kyle Bailey was sent off 25 minutes from time but they still created chances to have won the match.

“Both teams will have walked away feeling happy with a point,” Wilcox said. “We just can’t seem to get our noses in front.”

Leigh Athletic produced a performance that suggested they are in a false position at the foot of the table, taking their first point of the season with a scoreless draw away to table-toppers Boothstown.