A FORTNIGHT ago, Atherton Collieries and 1874 Northwich met at Alder House with 1874 claiming the three points through a Mike Brandon goal.

The defeat saw Colls hopes of a promotion push practically flattened, whilst 1874 marched on hoping to press Nelson and Formby to the very end.

Now, after another tight affair Colls look to have dented 1874’s hopes of promotion in their inaugural campaign after a 1-1 draw at Winsford.

1874 had won their last six matches, conceding only two goals in the process and had been boosted by the arrival of Sakeel Abdullah from Nelson. Abdullah scored against Colls earlier in the season when he was with Daisy Hill.

Neither side took control of the game as they matched each other like for like throughout.

Northwich played very narrow at times whilst Colls tried to exploit the flanks behind the 1874 defence through the pace of Stoker and Mulrooney.

Gareth Peet was sitting in at left back which prevented him from joining in the attack on occasions.

It was Atherton who took the lead on 53 minutes when Kieran Halliwell scored his second in as many matches. The centre-half rose well to head the ball into the right hand corner after it had been flicked on at the near post.

Halliwell and Cooke steamed off to celebrate with manager Steve Pilling in front of a sombre home crowd. On 79 minutes Northwich equalised. An energetic Daley Woods sprinted down the line and latched on to a through ball.

Rob Swanton was unable to close down in time as Woods glided a ball to the back post.

When Mike Brandon stormed into the area the ball was always going to go into the back of the net.

The league’s top goalscorer headed the ball into Phil Priestley's goal.

It is the first time that Northwich have dropped points at home since the beginning of October when Irlam held them to a 0-0 draw.

Atherton Laburnum Rovers sealed victory with a last-minute penalty at Irlam. Mark Adams had fired LR into the lead on 57 minutes before Steve Mills equalised for the Silver Street side.

With time running out Rovers were awarded a penalty and Kristian Holt converted to claim all three points at the end.

The result sees Michael Clegg’s side remain in sixth place having played more matches than those around them.

Unfortunately for Daisy Hill, their long winless streak continues despite holding a 1-0 lead at Ashton Town.

They looked set to take at least a point from the match until the weather dealt a cruel blow and caused abandonment.