ATHERTON Collieries have a golden chance to get back to winning ways with consecutive matches against the bottom two in the North West Counties League Premier Division.

Michael Clegg’s men endured a frustrating week as they dropped four points against teams in the bottom half of the table.

Although it could have been worse after Kristian Holt’s 88th-minute equaliser rescued a 2-2 draw at 18th-placed Maine Road on Monday night.

Jordan Cover opened the scoring for Colls in the 17th minute but goals from Matthew Wilson and Michael Burke either side of half time put the home side in front.

Colls also got their noses in front at Winsford United on Saturday through a Mark Battersby effort in the 24th minute, only to concede from the penalty spot just after the hour mark.

Clegg will, however, be buoyed by the fact they maintained their eight-match unbeaten run and remain eighth in the table with winnable matches at home to look forward to this week.

Basement club Alsager visit Alder House on Saturday before the Colls welcome second-bottom Squires Gate on Monday.

Atherton LR’s hopes of mounting a promotion challenge in the First Division took another dent at the weekend following a 4-1 defeat at home to Cheadle Town.

Craig Dickinson scored on 56 minutes to reduce the deficit to 2-1 before Cheadle added another two in the final 20 minutes.

The result leaves LR in 14th place with the visit of fifth-placed Hanley Town to come on Saturday.

Other results

Manchester League Premier Division: Dukinfield Town 2 Atherton Town 1, Springhead 3 Hindsford 1. Division One: Pennington 3 Leigh Athletic 0.

Lancashire Amateur Shield: Burnley Belvedere 6 Howe Bridge Mills 1.