DAISY Hill battled hard but fell to a 2-0 defeat to North West Counties League First Division play-off hopefuls Stockport Town on Saturday.

In a close game, Daisy were on top in the first half but were caught out on the counter when Stockport's Jake Pollard broke the deadlock on 33 minutes.

Daisy finished the half strongly as they looked to equalise.

But right at the end, the hosts doubled their advantage.

Stockport were awarded a free kick when the goalkeeper was judged to have pick the ball up outside the box.

The resulting set-piece from Jamie Kay struck the bar but hit the keeper on the back and went in to make it 2-0.

The second half saw Daisy pushing to get back into the game and the home keeper made several fine saves.

After using all their substitutes before an injury, Daisy were forced to play the final 20 minutes with 10 men and despite their efforts, they could not get back into the game.

Daisy play their final home match of the season on Saturday when they hosts Cheadle Town at New Sirs.

In the Premier Division, Atherton Collieries needed a last-minute penalty from Mark Ayres to salvage a 2-2 draw against lowly AFC Blackpool.

Jordan Cover gave Colls the lead on home turf with a sixth-minute strike but Boubacar Kaba levelled for Blackpool on 19 minutes.

And the visitors looked to be heading for a shock away win when Jack Williams put them ahead on 64 minutes.

But it was Ayres to the rescue for Colls who remain third in the table – 10 points behind their Men United Cup final opponents Colne who they drew 1-1 with on Thursday.