Atherton Collieries 1 Barnoldswick Town 1

MARK Threlfall netted a stoppage time penalty to salvage a point for North West Counties League Premier Division leaders Barnoldswick Town on Monday.

It denied the home side the victory they thought was theirs after being given the lead in the 16th minute by Mark Truffas. He netted from close range after Town goalkeeper Jordan Gidley had spilled a low cross from Ben Hardcatle.

Truffas proved to be a real menace throughout the match and was involved in most of the home side’s best moves.

Town had a golden chance to strike back just two minutes after falling behind. Striker John Beckwith was unmarked when a cross caught out the Atherton defence.

Beckwith had time and space but half-volleyed the ball into the ground and it bounced just wide of a post.

Atherton squandered a number of half chances before the break as they had the better of the first-half exchanges.

Town started brightly in the second half, but soon needed goalkeeper Gidley to come to their rescue with important saves in one-on-one situations to deny Hardcastle and Kristian Holt.

Atherton had penalty appeals waved away late in the game before Town launched their final attack which resulted in Threlfall’s point-saving spot-kick.

Town now face tough tests in the coming week at home to Runcorn Town and away to close rivals Silsden. They will be keen to build on their strong start to the new league season.