A second-half comeback for Clitheroe was denied by Atherton Collieries as both sides shared a point at the Loom Loft Stadium on New Year’s Day.
Clitheroe almost made the perfect start in the NPL West clash 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.
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 were not 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 on to 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 Bolton Wanderers loanee Mark Isong teed him up for a simple tap-in at the far post.
The result saw Sean McConville’s Clitheroe side continue their turbulent form into the New Year as they still search for their first league win since November.
Attention now turns to next Saturday, when the Blues resume their historic FA Trophy run away at Scunthorpe United.
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