ATHERTON Collieries slipped to third place in the NWCFL Division One after drawing 3-3 at home to an unpredictable Northwich Flixton Villa. The visitors took the lead after eight minutes through Kieran Williams. They then extended their lead on 25 minutes when Ahmed Ali converted a penalty, sending debutant keeper Matthew Ince the wrong way.

The home side then staged a comeback with goals from Gareth Peet and Charlie Stoker in quick succession. Peet scored his 13th goal of the season on 30 minutes from the penalty spot before Stoker volleyed in at the back post a minute later.

Villa punished the home side to regain the lead on 50 minutes with a goal from Martin Gordon. But, Paul Atherton rescued a point for Colls two minutes before time.

Elsewhere, Daisy Hill remain 12th after a 1-1 draw with Widnes Vikings. Daisy took the lead on 49 minutes through Martin Irvine. Their lead did not last long as James Thomas equalised on 57 minutes from the spot. The Westhoughton side are in league action again on Wednesday against Formby.

Atherton LR were eliminated from The FA Vase on Saturday, losing 3-0 to NWCFL Premier Division side Maine Road.

Rovers found themselves behind on 29 minutes when Edward Moran opened the scoring.

Goals either side of half time from Saul Henderson rounded off a solid victory and ensured that Maine Road progressed to the next round.

Michael Clegg’s side have now lost three matches on the bounce. He said: “These three matches have been a learning curve. We need to be more clinical and need to take our chances in front of goal.

“On a positive note, recent performances have illustrated that we’re not a million miles away from where we want to be. We have a project in place and we are going to stick to it.”

Another tough test awaits LR as they face Nelson in the league at home tonight.