ATHERTON Collieries are three points off the top of the Hallmark Securtity North West Counties League Premier Division after a 1-1 draw at Irlam on Friday night.

The Alder House men took the lead in third minute through Bradley Cook but had two points snatched away five minutes from time when the seventh-placed hosts levelled with a goal by Rick Peters.

Colls will be looking to maintain their momentum tonight when they welcome Padiham to the Kensite Stadium, 7.45pm kick off.

A victory over the 15th-placed side would send the local team to the top of the table having played one game more than their closest rivals.

In the First Division on Saturday, Daisy Hill twice fought back from a goal behind to earn a 2-2 home draw with St Helens Town.

After the 18th-placed visitors took a 25th-minute lead Jon Stephenson levelled for the New Sirs men, and then an Ashley Stott penalty in the 70th minute cancelled out a goal for St Helens four minutes earlier to leave Daisy in 14th position.

Three places behind the Westhoughton side are Atherton LR who went down 4-2 at home to Widnes.

Imande Favour scored twice for LR to pull the scored back to 2-1 and 3-2, respectively, but the visitors left with the spoils which lifted them to ninth in the table.