ATHERTON Collieries extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a goalless draw at tough hosts in Tadcaster Albion.

Due to the Evo-Stik League’s proposed new East/West split, Saturday’s visit to Tadcaster is likely to be Colls’ first and last visit to the i2i Stadium.

Michael Clegg’s men travelled to Yorkshire with an extra spring in their step following Monday night’s win on penalties in the Integro League Challenge Cup against Bamber Bridge, setting up a third-round tie at home to Scarborough Athletic.

In the only change to the Colls’ starting team Jordan Cover came into the attack for Adam Farrell.

Atherton started well, the damp weather failing to disrupt the fluidity of the Black and Whites’ play. Just eight minutes were on the clock when Cover was played through and used his pace to collect and get clear of the Albion defence only to steer his shot well wide with just keeper Michael Ingham to beat.

Midfielder Vinny Bailey was central to the Colls’ attacking moves, as he has been since returning to the club. Midway through the half he was unlucky not to open the scoring. Down the left wing, Marcus Cusani bamboozled the Albion defence before he squared to Bailey on the edge of the area. The midfielder spotted Ingham was off his line and attempted a chip into the top left-hand corner of the goal but the keeper was able to back-track and save.

Throughout the half, Tadcaster offered little in the way of attack, and Atherton were very much in the driving seat.

Colls keeper Greg Hartley’s only test came on 27 minutes, when he had to tip over Casey Stewart’s goal-bound header.

The second half saw a much more attacking approach from Tadcaster.

An injury to Bailey left a gap in the Colls midfield and the home side took control of the area but failed to use it to create any problems.

Their best chance came on 56 minutes, Hartley having to be alert as he initially spilled a Stewart cross, but managed to gather the loose ball.

Atherton failed to register much of note at the other end, with Ben Hardcastle’s driven effort 20 minutes from time the standout chance.

The winger, who has really stepped up of late, cut inside and fired a hard, low, bouncing shot which Ingham did well to collect on a tricky surface.

Committed defending from the likes of Brad Cooke ensured Colls travelled home with a decent and deserved point.

In a busy period for Clegg’s men, Colls visit local rivals Radcliffe this Saturday before another short trip on Tuesday night, to Ramsbottom United.

Two days after the league game at Rammy, Colls return to The Kensite Stadium to host Scarborough in the Integro Cup.

In the Hallmark Security League First Division, two goals in each half saw Daisy Hill fall to a 4-0 defeat at Sandbach United.

Atherton LR’s home game against Whitchurch Alport was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Crilly Park.