Atherton Colls players received praise from new co-management team Dennis Haslam and Tommy Foster after a fighting display earned a very welcome 0-0 NWCL Division One draw at Skelmersdale United.

"They did everything we asked them to," beamed Foster. "We kept it tight at the back and did what we had to. It may not have been a game for the connoisseur but it's a great start for us to build from. We worked very hard and kept our shape which was very pleasing."

Former Bolton Wanderer Micky Bennett orchestrated things at the back alongside debutant centre half Steve Abram, signed on Friday from Tetley Walker. Tomorrow night will be a big game for Colls with bottom club Great Harwood Town the visitors to Alder House.

Atherton LR climbed upto 10th in the Division Two table with a 4-1 home win over Bacup Boro. The first half gave little indication the day would turn out right for Rovers as a strangely lacklustre showing gifted the visitors a one goal lead by the break. The second half saw a quite amazing transformation with Gavin Salmon equalising as he pounced on a bad clearance and then rifling his side in front with a 40 yarder into the bottom corner. Lee Bowles, a tenth minute substitute for Colin Lomas, got the third with another replacement 18 year old Tom Purcell showing his rich promise with the fourth.

Daisy Hill drew 4-4 at home to Squires Gate. The New Sirs outfit led the way early on with two goals from Arla Foods man of the match Phill Holland and one from Dominic Shinks but the Seasiders battled back as the game progressed. With five minutes left Daisy trailed 4-3 but a superb curling free kick into the top corner from Ryan Cain earned a well deserved draw.