AFTER a welcome break, football was back, Atherton Collieries welcomed a youthful Bolton Wanderers side down to Alder House and Michael Clegg's side fought back to earn a share of the spoils.

Neil Lennon took up a position in the away dugout while Jussi Jaaskelainen, who has one of his Bolton shirts hanging in the Colls clubhouse, was also in attendance to watch his son in the second half.

Alder House hosted a bumper crowd for this much anticipated game as 1,499 people made the most of the summer sunshine.

Collieries were without striker Jordan Cover and defender James Brooks who both missed the match through injury. Included in the side for the afternoon were summer signings Matt Cross and James Kirby while Ahmed Sulay who was with the U18’s last season was also given a spot.

Colls had two early chances but were thwarted by keeper Harry Campbell in the Bolton goal.

Skipper Brad Cooke also had an opportunity but his shot sailed high over the bar.

At the other end Danny Taberner had to be alert to keep out Channing Campbell-Young's effort and despite two late saves by Bolton stopper Campbell denying Brad Cooke and Mark Battersby.

In the second half Matt Cross and Ahmed Sulay had efforts just wide of goal and 10 minutes left Wanderers won a penalty after Harry Reilly was fouled by Danny Taberner.

Jamie Thomas took the responsibility of the penalty kick and duly dispatched to take Bolton into the lead.

With time running out Enock Likoy-Elumba was fouled in the box to gift Bolton the chance of doubling their advantage. He dusted himself down to take the penalty but he spooned it wide of the right hand post.

The Collieries took full advantage as Wes Bancroft received the ball in the box before he fired into the bottom left hand corner of the goal under Will Jaaskelainen to make it 1-1.