Atherton LR 2, Lincoln United 2 ATHERTON LR, now certain to finish in the UniBond Division One bottom three, picked up a second successive home draw against top opposition.

Last week's 3-3 result with Droylsden was followed on Saturday by a 2-2 draw with third-placed Lincoln United.

A season of severe disappointment for manager Dave Morris, hit a frustrating low just 15 minutes into the game when he was red carded for a comment made to the referee. LR's most successful-ever manager was forced to watch the rest of the game from the crowd.

Club secretary Steve Hartle says: "What Dave had to say would have been allowed to pass in 99 out of 100 games, but unfortunately not this time. We would have settled for a point before the game, but we played so well that in the end it was a disappointment."

Neil Moss scored both goals for LR on 27 and 52 minutes with Lincoln keeper Mark Welch producing a world-class save on 35 minutes to deny Lee Cryer.

Darren Royle was asked to play at centre-back rather than his accustomed striker role and looked an absolute natural in an outstanding display. Unfortunately he was injured on 70 minutes and had to be substituted. Lincoln capitalised and drew level through Rick Renshaw (72) and Brian Butler (80).

Cryer, Darren Winward and Daniel Christie all went close for LR in the dying moments. CONGLETON TOWN 0 RADCLIFFE BOROUGH 0 UNIBOND Division One leaders Radcliffe Borough were fortunate to grab a precious league point in a scoreless draw at Congleton Town.

"We nearly pinched it in the very last minute," says Press secretary David Johnstone. "But a win for us would have been very unfair on Congleton. They've picked up 10 points in the last five games to move clear of relegation trouble and they certainly played well against us.

"Right on the whistle Jason Lyons chipped the ball into the box and Ian Lunt appeared to chest it down before smacking in a volley. The referee blew immediately for hand ball and the goal wasn't allowed to stand."

Boro saw chances earlier in the game go begging, particularly from Joe Connor, Simon Whittle and Levi Edwards but keeper Andy Johnstone was kept just as busy as his opposite number. A save just before half time from Weston was absolutely vital and when he was beaten in the second half Gary Washington's shot hit the underside of the bar and bounced back into play.

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