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 1-1 draw at 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 the 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 and Jay Fitzmartin in the 10th 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 and 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.