Atherton Collieries scored a dramatic late equaliser to earn their first NPL West point of the season in a 1-1 draw at Wythenshawe on Monday.

The Black and Whites’ ranks were bolstered ahead of kick off, as captain Lewis Thompson returned following a short vacation absence, while Lewis Mansell was also back to lead the line after missing Saturday’s game.

The game began with Bolton loanee Ellis Litherland in fine form, making multiple early saves to deny the Ammies’ Callum Laird, while James Simms also headed over for the hosts.

The Colls’ poor injury luck continued early in the first half, as Tobiya Obitayo departed following a knock with Noah Inneh called upon to join the fray.

The golden opportunity of the half fell to Mansell, after fast and direct play from Thompson to get the ball into the box for the Colls frontman, who fired agonisingly high after his first effort was blocked.

It was the Ammies’ James Simms who opened the scoring as the Colls conceded once more at the beginning of the second half, knocking home a corner at the near post.

Joe Adams and Mansell led the fightback for the Black and Whites, but it was an incredible looping header from Tom Dean that finally recorded the first Colls goal of the season, with a long free-kick from Amadou Doumbouya finding the towering defender on the penalty spot in added time.

The vocal travelling faithful were jubilant as their fine support all season saw its first rewards.

The Colls now have an opportunity to regroup with a two-week break, before returning to FA Trophy action at Consett on Saturday, September 7.