COLNE secured a place in the Evo-Stik League Division One North play-offs with a hard-earned point against Droylsden.

The Reds might have taken an early lead on six minutes when Adam Morning went clean through on goal but Bloods keeper James Coates saved with his feet.

Jason Hart and Phil Dean created chances for the hosts while Mark Ayres flashed a header just wide.

After the break Colne thought they had made the breakthrough when Morning’s shot was blocked by Coates and Spencer Jordan fired home the rebound, but the celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.

In end-to-end action both sides threatened but Colne came closest when Morning’s shot flew inches over the bar before Simon Nangle came close with a free-kick.

Droylsden almost punished the Reds after 72 minutes but Ciaran Kilheeney’s header was well saved by Colne keeper Greg Hartley as it finished honours even.

The Reds will travel to Farsley Celtic in the semi-final on Tuesday. The winners will play Scarborough Athletic or Ossett Town on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Clitheroe finished their season with a flourish as they beat Brighouse Town 3-1 but it wasn’t enough to gatecrash the play-offs as the Blues ended in seventh, two points behind Colne.

Dimi Tuanzebe scored a brace for Simon Haworth’s side while Alex Newby was also on target as the Blues came from behind.

Ryan Salmon scored a second-half brace as Ramsbottom ended the campaign on a winning note with a 2-0 success at Burscough in what was striker Gareth Seddon’s final game before retirement.

In the Hallmark Security League Premier Division AFC Darwen’s safety was assured despite the Salmoners losing 3-1 at home to 1874 Northwich.

Nicholas Hepple put Adam Douglas’ side in front but the visitors hit back in the second half.

Already relegated Nelson lost 3-0 at home to Congleton Town while Padiham were beaten 2-0 at Runcorn Town.

Barnoldswick staged a fantastic comeback to win 3-2 at Hanley. The home side raced into a two-goal lead but Zack Dale, Aaron Hollingdrake and Andrew Hill secured Danny Craig’s side the points.

Bacup Borough suffered a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to struggling Eccleshall, with Rio Wilson-Heyes on target for Borough.