ATHERTON Collieries warmed up for this weekend’s opening match of the North West Counties League season with a narrow 3-2 defeat at home to Salford City.

Their Evo-Stik Premier Division opponents took a 2-0 lead into the break following goals from Sam Madeley and Gary Stopforth but Michael Clegg’s side came back strongly to level in the second half.

Two goals in two minutes turned the game on its head.

Matt Boland lobbed the Salford goalkeeper on 65 minutes with a cross-cum-shot from the left wing that sailed in from 25 yards.

Kris Holt then equalised with a powerful shot after being set up by James Kirby, who received the ball following a strong run through midfield from Ben Hardcastle before showing good tight control to create the opportunity.

But with Colls in the ascendancy, Salford hit them with a sucker punch as former Morecambe player Sam Livesey headed home the winner three minutes from time.

Clegg’s men will take plenty of confidence from the performance ahead of their return to the NWCL Premier Division.

Colls kick off their campaign at West Didsbury & Chorlton (kick off 3pm) on Saturday before their first home match of the season against Padiham on Monday, kick off 7.45pm.