Atherton Collieries produced a controlling midweek display against Newcastle Town, but the visitors took their share of the points thanks to a stern defensive display ultimately securing a stalemate.
There was an attacking impetus from the Black & Whites from the off, as Josh Solomon-Davies and Tom Warren led the attack from the flanks whilst Ethan Kershaw, Alex Doyle and Danny Lambert controlled the midfield.
The best chances of the first half came through Lewis Rawsthorn and Danny Lafferty combining with a smart free-kick routine, and Alex Doyle drilling the ball wide after Toba Obitayo did well to keep an overhit corner in play, whilst Josh Solomon-Davies also tested goalkeeper Joe Slinn with a well saved long range effort.
The Black & Whites maintained their pressure throughout the second half, although the Castle also grew into the game as the hosts began to take more risks.
The Colls bolstered their ranks throughout the second half with the additions of new signings Bobby Bjork, Ayo Quadri and Will Riding all reinforcing the sides’ style of attacking wing-play, with Will Riding proving particularly dangerous.
It was defender Toba Obitayo who ultimately came the closest to securing the three points, almost capping off a sturdy performance both on and off the ball with a looping effort from outside of the box, well saved by Joe Slinn in the dying embers.
Although the Collieries faithful may feel disappointed not to have built more momentum with three points, solace can be taken in the fact the Black & Whites also secured their first clean sheet in 14 matches, with the defense and midfield restricting the Staffordshire visitors to a minimum of chances.
Next up, the Collieries welcome Mossley for the final match of a home triple-header on Saturday, before traveling to Hanley on Tuesday night. The Dreams2Reality Stadium also hosts a bumper double weekend of football in just over a weeks time, as Runcorn Linnets visit for Friday night lights on Friday 11th before the Under 18s take on Laburnum Rovers in a Lancashire Youth Cup Flatcap Derby on Sunday 13th.
