GREAT Harwood manager Denis Underwood was 'very pleased' to see his side come away from Winsford United with a 1-1 draw.

"Not many teams will go there this season and win," he said. "They are supposedly having financial difficulties but I know some of the players from former clubs and they are not there for fun."

Harwood, who face Atherton Collieries at home in NWCL Division One tonight, were under pressure early on and keeper Darryl Sloane made some good saves.

James Coonan had a chance cleared off the line and Martin Horsfield and Graham Lightbown both had opportunities to score.

Horsfield, though, had to come off with a knee injury and was replaced by Matt Leathert who won a penalty which Lightbown converted 20 minutes into the second half.

Winsford equalised after a spell of pressure with around 15 minutes to go but Harwood held on under pressure for a point.

"Last season we would have crumbled at the end so I think that shows we've got a bit more resolve," said Underwood, whose side fought a relegation battle last season.

"Dave Livesey and Neil Baron were strong at the back."

RESULT: WINSFORD... 1 GREAT HARWOOD... 1