DESPERATE to end a recent run of poor form in Evo-Stik North, Michael Clegg took his Atherton Collieries side to bottom-placed Goole on Saturday and returned home with a point from a 1-1 draw.

Injuries continue to hamper Clegg in his team selection, but, although Colls turned out a decent starting Xl Ryan Salmon, leading the Atherton front line, went off just five minutes into the game, Glenn Matthews taking his place.

A pretty turgid opening 45 minutes saw the Colls just about edge the play but it was Greg Hartley who was forced into a smart save midway through the half, saving an effort from the edge of the area.

Having a superb game, Darrhyl Mason won a firm challenge inside his own area and pelted down the left flank but overran the ball, allowing Goole goalkeeper Ben Saynor to collect.

Three minutes later Iain Howard combined with Gaz Peet to create a shooting chance but he fired wide of the mark. It was Peet’s last contribution as, seconds later, he also went off due to injury, James Sigsworth replacing him.

Despite the changes, Colls deservedly took the lead just before half time with a sublime 25-yard finish from Matthews, who lobbed the keeper and found the back of the net.

The second period of the game was dominated by Goole, with Jordan Turner shooting into the side netting and a goal disallowed for an offside flag.

And Clegg’s injury nightmare worsened as Sebastian Julien was replaced by Jake Kenny, a defender making way for a midfielder highlighting the severity of the injury crisis.

Colls soldiered on but Goole drew level on 69 minutes. Turner picked up a loose ball inside the area and, although Hartley saved his initial effort, the forward comfortably slotted the rebound home.

Keen to find a winner, Atherton continued to press and Mason shot into the side netting from an acute angle. The final effort of the game, seven minutes from time, showed just how out-of-luck the Collieries are at the moment. A free-kick into the area caused chaos and a header bounced back off the far post and along the goal line, failing to curl into the net and no one from the visitors able to get the vital final touch.

On Saturday Colls host Evo-Stik North title favourites South Shields. Kick off is 3pm.

In the Hallmark Security League First Division, Warren Jones' first match in charge of Atherton LR ended in a 2-0 victory in an eventful game at home to Stockport Town.

Gary Grier put LR ahead just four minutes in with a goal from point-blank range but Rovers' task was made more difficult when Kieran Halliwell was dismissed midway through the first half after an off-the-ball incident.

But Stockport failed to make the most of their one-man advantage and before the break they had Conor Downes dismissed for his second yellow card.

Ten minutes into the second half Ashley Woodhead doubled the Atherton side's lead and, in the closing stages LR keeper Ben Purdham preserved his clean sheet by saving Ben Halfacre's penalty.

Daisy Hill fared less well in their game at home to Silsden, a 3-0 defeat leaving them second bottom in the table.