Report: Colls 1-1 Morpeth

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 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 this 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 & Jay Fitzmartin in the tenth 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 & 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. 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 wouldn't even be considered a half chance, but took it with aplomb to claim a fantastic equaliser. The Colls will return to action at home again on Tuesday night, taking on local rivals Radcliffe in another important Northern Premier League clash. As ever, get on down and show your support, it is really appreciated by us all at the club! Man of the Match: Clive Smith, sponsored by John & Vicki Colls: Nico Defreitas-Hansen, Clive Smith, Gaz Peet, Adam Rooney, Danny Lafferty ©, Luca Defreitas-Hansen, Ethan Kershaw, Oli Brown, Marcus Cusani, Aaron Smith & Jay Fitzmartin (62' Pettifer) Subs (Unused):Jack Lenehan, Connor Phelan & Tom Goodwin