There are few things in life that match that feeling of jubilation when the referee blows his whistle and the result has gone your way and that is what happened to Atherton Collieries after Saturday’s dramatic 3-3 draw at Stalybridge Celtic.

The result, ultimately, saw the Black and White Stripes retain their Northern Premier League Premier Division status.

Ahead of proceedings, Atherton knew exactly what they had to do. Avoid defeat and they would stay up. Should Nantwich not win against Radcliffe, even a defeat against Stalybridge could not send the Colls down – it would if Nantwich did pick up three points, though.

Colls could not have made a better start, taking the lead in just the second minute of the game. Ben Hardcastle chased down a clearance from the keeper and the 120-plus away fans watched as the ball bounced off Hardcastle and flew into the back of the net. It was the midfielder’s first league goal since rejoining and one that symbolises what this team is about – never give in, never give up.

It was a first half, however, in which Atherton never really got going. Joel Amado had a chance to double the advantage but his free header at the far post sailed tamely wide.

Celtic’s Djavan Pedro was a threat all afternoon. The forward was relentless, causing all kinds of confusion with his fancy footwork – skill and creativity deserving of the two goals he scored in the 30th and 32nd minutes. Both were of a similar nature – the tricky forward latching on to two through balls and slipping the ball past the advancing Chapman. It was 2-1 to the hosts, but with Radcliffe beating Nantwich the Colls were still safe.

This turned out to be a wake-up call for the visitors. As the game meandered towards the half-time refuel, Marcus Cusani crossed to Hardcastle who controlled, only to be sliced down by a Stalybridge defender. Shouts for a penalty on the pitch, behind the goal, from the dugout, in the stand and the referee obliged.

Gaz Peet made history last week as he clocked up 400 appearances in a Colls shirt and the wing-back made history again as he converted the penalty seconds before half time to send the two teams in level. Another landmark moment for the living club legend – his 50th goal.

The second period saw a midfield battle for the most part. This was a game that both sides wanted to win.

News spread that down the M6 the tide had turned. Nantwich had overturned their 1-0 deficit and were now beating Radcliffe 2-1. The Colls were still safe with the score 2-2 but there was an air of nervousness spreading as Celtic started to edge it.

With 73 minutes on the clock, Stalybridge took the lead with Frankie Sinfield heading home at the far post from an inswinging cross.

For this first time this season, the Colls had slipped into the relegation zone. But boss Brad Cooke has built a team who play for the badge. And that was evident when Cusani bagged an equaliser on 78 minutes.

Winning the ball on halfway, he carried it to 45 yards from goal, spotted the keeper out of position and launched an outrageous shot at goal. The net rippled, the ball settled, all in Colls colours went wild. Had Cusani kept the Colls up?

With Nantwich still winning, it was a nervy end to the game but the point would be enough to secure Atherton’s place in the Northern Premier League.

Bailey Thompson and Jesse Ebosele were introduced and they added an extra bite and a Celtic defender maybe should have seen red for chopping down Thompson when he was through on goal.

All eyes were on the referee as the game ticked into the 98th minute and the whistle saw safety secured in the most dramatic of fashions.

Cooke and his team had done it again. The Colls boys stood up and fought for every ball.

Safety secured, next up is a small matter of a Lancashire Trophy Cup final against Southport tomorrow night.

After a string of semi-final flings, it is the Colls first outing in the conclusion of the competition and takes place at the County Ground in Leyland (7.30pm).