Clitheroe almost made the perfect start when Harry Scarborough’s curled effort struck the outside of the post in the 18th minute.

Atherton responded with a strong spell of their own, with efforts from Chinedu Uche and Harry Showman both being kept out by Zac Hadi.

The visitors eventually found a way past Hadi and took the lead in the 34th minute after Rodney Ajayi drilled a 25-yard strike into the bottom corner.

Half-Time: Clitheroe 0-1 Atherton Collieries

After a lacklustre first half performance the Blues emerged with renewed intensity after the break and drew level in the 56th minute. Cameron Lancaster reacted quickest to a poor Atherton clearance, driving his effort home at the far post.

Clitheroe weren’t finished there. Just two minutes later, Leon Creech raced through one-on-one with Kier Barry and calmly slotted the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs to make it 2-1.

Colls fought back after going behind and created a great chance in the 62nd minute, with Hadi tipping a corner onto the bar.

The home side pushed to extend their narrow lead and nearly did so in the 74th minute when Jake Carroll’s free kick found Sam Olawumi at the back post, but the defender dragged his effort wide.

Atherton showed their resilience late on, as Showman grabbed an 80th minute equaliser after Mark Isong teed him up for a simple tap in at the far post.

Full-Time: Clitheroe 2-2 Atherton Collieries

This result sees Sean McConville’s Clitheroe side continue their turbulent form in the new year as they still search for their first league win since November. Attention now turns to January 10th, when the Blues resume their historic FA Trophy run away at Scunthorpe.