ATHERTON Collieries’ journey continued at Hurst Cross, the long-time home of Ashton United, a venue befitting their historic first game at level seven of English football.

After falling behind to two goals in the second half, both stemming from corners, Michael Clegg’s team replied with an equaliser each time to leave with a point from a 2-2 draw.

Without a fit recognised forward, Colls set up to be hard to beat, a five-man defence with Danny Lafferty, Ian Rowlands and Matt Grimshaw sitting in front of keeper Theo Roberts, meaning full-backs Clive Smith and Gaz Peet had licence to push forward.

The front two of Ben Hardcastle and Ben Conway had a tough time from Ashton’s mammoth defenders, relying on the guile of Oli Roberts and Vinny Bailey to create the opportunities, while Kieran Nolan provided a barrier in front of the backline.

Colls’ initial forays into the Ashton box were expertly dealt with by the experienced Nicky Clee, and it was soon obvious it would take something special to unlock a defence built on National League North level players.

As ever, Gaz Peet was industrious on the left, drawing fouls from both Liam Tomsett and Aaron Smith. Peet was also called into action defensively as former Chorley forward Josh Wilson attempted to impose himself on the game.

The closest either side came to a goal in the first half was Sam Sheridan for Ashton who rattled the bar from a corner on 18 minutes, while midfielder Roberts’ set-pieces were providing Colls’ main threat as chances were of a premium.

Sheridan opened the scoring with the first attack of the second half. A corner wasn’t dealt with adequately and he was on hand to drill the ball low into the net.

That was the signal for Clegg to change the structure of his team, the young legs of Brad Lynch being introduced on the left, matching the hosts’ 4-3-3 formation.

Immediately he introduced himself, closing down keeper Jon Worsnop and almost catching him unawares.

Then Peet again crossed for Oli Roberts but he scooped his shot onto the bar from 12 yards out.

On 63 minutes Lynch did make his mark. Carrying the ball from his own half, he sprayed it out to the right, from where Kieran Nolan whipped in a cross.

Ghosting in at the back post, Lynch was caught in two minds, but he opted to control the ball rather than head it, taking a touch before firing the ball through the legs of full-back Kyle Harrison and into the net to draw the game level.

Having done the hard work in pegging Ashton back, Colls once again fell behind to a Sheridan goal, his corner floating over the outstretched arms of Roberts and into the back of the goal.

Hearts sank among the Colls faithful but another lung-busting run from Lynch through the heart of the Ashton defence saw him hauled down on the edge of the area.

Set-piece expert Roberts fired home Colls’ second leveller of the game, in front of the jubilant away support.

With both teams hunting what would be a certain winner, the game ignited on 89 minutes when an innocuous challenge from Kieran Nolan drew a reaction from Tom Field, an altercation resulting in both players heading off for an early shower.

The final seconds saw Colls’ defence put their bodies literally on the line to preserve that valuable point, as the referee signalled time, with manager Clegg clearly looking the happier of the two men in charge.

Tomorrow night Colls host one of the division’s main title protagonists, Warrington Town, in what is expected to be an exciting encounter.

Kick off at the Skuna Stadium is 7.45pm.