GREAT Harwood suffered their first defeat of the new NWCL Division One season at the Showground last night.

Manager Denis Underwood's side were 2-0 down before he threw Neil Baron up front and switched to three at the back.

Dave Livesey pulled a goal back late on.

"For an hour we were poor," said Underwood. "We looked a yard slower than them.

"After we went 2-0 down just after half-time I changed things around. We pulled one back and almost equalised late on."

Harwood missed striker Martin Horsfield -- who is set to see a specialist about his knee injury -- and lacked direction up front.

They went behind a minute before half time and were two down seven minutes after the break.

With 15 minutes to go Livesey pulled one back when a free kick meant as a cross curled away from the visiting keeper and swung into the net.

"Atherton are a stronger side than they have been in previous seasons," said Underwood.

"I don't think they will struggle like usual. Speaking to their manager after last night's game it seems they only have about three players remaining from last season's side."

RESULT: GREAT HARWOOD... 1 ATHERTON COLLS... 2

Tonight's non-League fixtures: Rossendale United v Gretna; Workington v Chorley; Atherton LR v Clitheroe; Ramsbottom United v Fleetwood; Daisy Hill v Darwen (6.30pm); Holker OB v Stand; Oldham Town v Colne; Padiham v Bacup Borough.