ATHERTON Collieries and Radcliffe were both satisfied at taking a point each from an even match at the Kensite Stadium.

It was a well-earned point for Jon Macken’s Boro after falling behind midway through the first half, despite them edging the early exchanges and creating the better opportunities.

Radcliffe’s first chance came from James Hooper’s free kick that found debutant Jordan Slew at the back post. He nodded the ball back across goal for Kingsley Williams but Colls’ defence reacted well to clear.

Hooper had a chance to score himself after being played in through on goal. He collided with goalkeeper Greg Hartley as the ball trickled towards goal but the danger was once again cleared off the line by the Atherton defence, Chris Lynch the man hacking the ball to safety.

Liam Wood tested Hartley from distance but, although his shot was heading for the bottom corner it was comfortably saved.

Against the run of play Colls took the lead just after the half-hour mark.

The ball was played up to skipper Brad Cooke, who was making his 250th appearance for the club, and he held up for Jordan Cover, who then collected Cooke’s through ball and slotted the ball through keeper Connor Keane’s legs to give the hosts the lead.

But, almost immediately, Radcliffe went on the attack and deservedly equalised within two minutes, thanks to a fine piece of play.

Hooper played in Williams and his squared pass allowed Callum Grogan to tap home to make the score 1-1.

Another chance came and went for Radcliffe just before the break, but Grogan headed narrowly wide.

The second half was similarly tight with both teams trying to dominate but neither able to take control of the possession.

Both sides had long periods of possession and Colls came into the game and created chances, the nearest they came being Adam Farrell’s tap-in disallowed for offside.

Having chased down Keane and forced the keeper into an error, the ball fell for Cover, who played in the better-placed Farrell, though the flag kept the score at 1-1.

Both sides pressed for a late winner but agreed a draw was a fair result with Boro having the best chances in the first half and Colls in the second.

Radcliffe are back on the road this Saturday as they go to mid-table Ossett Town. Kick off at Ingfield is 3pm.