LEE Cryer rescued a point for Clitheroe and kept them at the top of the North West Counties Division One table thanks to his 90th-minute goal.

With the match about to enter injury time, the Blues' front man got onto the end of a Paul Stansfield header and forced the ball over the line from close range.

Following two consecutive defeats, Clitheroe were forced to make changes and John Fagan and Neil Reynolds both returned to first team action.

Clitheroe dominated the opening exchanges, with Gary Jackson and Chris Whittingham both being denied by the woodwork while Paul Stansfield saw his goal-bound shot well saved.

But against the run of play it was the home side who took the lead. Clitheroe goalkeeper Kris Richens missed a cross into the area and Atherton's striker was able to head the ball home.

Fagan and Whittingham both went close late on in the half as Clitheroe went into the interval in the ascendancy.

Atherton doubled their lead on 52 minutes courtesy of a quick counter attack.

But their two-goal advantage only lasted for five minutes as Cryer reduced the deficit with a close range header.

As Clitheroe searched for an equaliser they were again caught on the break and Atherton regained a two-goal cushion on 65 minutes.

Substitute Steve McDonald gave Clitheroe hope on 68 minutes as he scored directly from a corner.

Clitheroe never gave up and always looked capable of scoring again.

With time running out though it appeared they were again going to be denied until Cryer popped up to salvage a draw.

ATHERTON COLLIERIES ...3

CLITHEROE ...3