Atherton Collieries were frustrated not to claim a share of the spoils following a tough and hard-fought trip to Matlock Town in the NPL Premier Division that ended in a 1-0 loss.

The Stripes gave themselves an uphill battle from the off, gifting the hosts a goal during the opening exchanges. And Alex Duhameau’s strike ultimately proved insurmountable despite a resilient second half fight-back from the Black and Whites.

The Stripes’ defence was caught sleeping as John Johnston played an appetising ball across the penalty box, Duhameau converting as any initial game plan was thrown out of the window.

As the first half progressed, Brad Cooke’s men began to find a foothold in the game, Bailey Thompson notably on the receiving end of a golden opportunity after 20 minutes but firing high and wide.

Matlock continued to create chances of their own, Mackenzie Chapman proving his worth yet again with a fantastic diving save following an powerful Alex Byrne free-kick.

Adam Rooney proved valuable for the Stripes throughout the game, making an important block on the half-hour mark, shortly followed by another effort on goal by Thompson, teed up by Marcus Cusani.

The Colls went into the interval having developed a foothold in the game, regrouping well following the early setback, and the task at hand for the second half was obvious. The effort and performance to match that challenge certainly cannot be doubted, though it ultimately was not to be.

Adam Haw and Cusani were the first to test the goalkeeper with close efforts in the opening stanza of the second half, before Jay Fitzmartin and Ben Hardcastle bolstered the Collieries ranks from the substitutes bench.

Fitzmartin, as always, instantly put his stamp on the game with an immediate trademark drive into the penalty area, followed by Hardcastle heading straight at the goalkeeper on the hour mark.

In truth, the second-half showing was one of the most dominant league outings from the Collieries in recent months, with the players fighting to a man for what would have been a well-deserved equaliser.

There was a strong claim for a Collieries penalty as Cusani was potentially fouled in the penalty box, the referee waving away claims as he was pulled down after cutting past his man.

Gaz Peet was also unfortunate not to convert a free-kick from the edge of the box, with goal 50 for the Colls well in his sights.

The most blatant opportunity came towards the end of the game, with supporters of all loyalties flabbergasted the ball never pinballed home following a close-range Danny Lafferty effort, the goalkeeper closing the angle successfully before a sequence of rebounds, ultimately landing wide.

Mentions must also go out to Rooney and Cesaire Lingouba, who gave their all with gladiatorial performances to maintain the Black and Whites pressure.

Ultimately, the final whistle was blown and the same old story was told - the desire and togetherness of all on and off the pitch for the Collieries could not be questioned but decisively, the luck to see the ball home for a goal just never happened.

As always, Cooke and his squad were clapped off for their efforts at the final whistle, as attentions instantly turned to a decisive home double header against Guiseley (today) followed by Whitby (Saturday).