ATHERTON Colls' final pre-season friendly saw them play out a goalless draw with Workington on a very wet and blustery afternoon at the Skuna.

The Reds, relegated from the Northern Premier League last season, having played all 8 pre-season games away from home in July and August, including an international friendly against Lowland League side Gretna FC 2018. The previous week they had convincingly beaten fellow Premier Division newcomers Radcliffe FC 4-1 at Stainton Park so offered a real test for Micheal Clegg’s squad.

The team consisted of several changes to the one that had run out 2-0 victors at Trafford FC, the main talking point being the trialist goalkeeper with his safe pair of hands.

Plans were then thrown slightly into disarray as Josh Peet hobbled off on 12 minutes to be replaced by Keiran Nolan.

Gaz Peet had Colls best chance of the game on 31 minutes when he collected a 60+ yard pass from Danny Lafferty to break through the Reds defence, only to see the outstretched toes of ‘keeper Jim Atkinson deny him.

Both teams had chances as conditions worsened.

Oli Roberts was the main protagonist for Colls, his snapshot on 53 minutes being well tipped out by keeper for the second half Alex Mitchell.

Roberts again caused problems for the Reds as his free-kick was cleared by the replacement keeper rather unconventionally.

Roberts, sensing it may just be his day tried an audacious chip from just inside the Workington half on 60 minutes, fortunately for the backpedalling Mitchell, the shot drifted wide in the swirling wind.

On Saturday Colls visit Ashton United in their first ever Bet Victor Northern Premier League game. Kick Off 3pm. On Tuesday Warrington Town visit The Skuna Stadium for a league clash, ko 7.45pm.