Atherton Collieries produced their best attacking performance of the season at home against Morpeth, but failed to make the opportunities count as the Highwaymen snatched a 1-1 draw from the Skuna Stadium.

Last season’s clash ended 1-1 in Lancashire with Morpeth stopper Dan Lowson delivering a man-of-the-match performance - a summary which can be repeated for the weekend’s encounter.

The Collieries took the match by the scruff of the neck from the off, and drew a great double stop from Lowson with efforts from Ethan Kershaw and Jay Fitzmartin in the 10th minute.

Ten minutes later, Clive Smith was denied by a quick low interception from Lowson, and then Marcus Cusani was unlucky to fire an effort over following some great individual play, before then wasting a close-range header moments later.

A Stripes goal finally came following some great play between Aaron Smith and Fitzmartin to break down the left, setting up Gaz Peet to power an unstoppable effort home.

Morpeth regrouped for a defensive foothold in the second half but continued to be unable to break down the Colls defence, aside from a single effort from Jack Foalle that drew a top-class save from Nico Defreitas-Hansen.

And Colls came to rue the missed chances as Morpeth eventually claimed an equaliser.

The experienced Liam Noble stepped up for a free-kick that for most would not even be considered a half chance, but took it with aplomb to claim a fantastic equaliser.

The Colls return to action at home again tonight, taking on local rivals Radcliffe in another important Northern Premier League Premier Division clash (7.45pm).