Although they struggled to reproduce their recent good form, Colne extended their unbeaten run to 10 games after a hard fought draw with Norton United on Saturday.
In the first minute a long wind-assisted clearance was flicked on by Norton’s Jake Alcock to Jonathan Beaumont, whose toe poke landed on the roof of the Colne net.
But on 10 minutes, after good work by Lee Barrett down the right, Dominic Craig’s shot brought out an excellent save from Richard Brandon. Craig then played Jason Hart in, but his shot was turned away.
From the corner man of the match Tom Fowler’s header was cleared off the line, but Ed Williams’ looping cross back into the area was helped over the line by a glancing header from Kristian Evans.
Hart then pulled the ball back to Barrett, who dragged his shot wide of the far post.
After half-an-hour, Williams put in another good cross but Evans’ towering header to Craig was volleyed narrowly wide.
Colne made a reasonable start to the second half as Hart went close, before, Williams saw his great strike from distance clip the top of the bar.
But Norton gained in confidence and it was no great surprise when on 57 minutes they drew level when a wayward header landed at captain Richard Smith’s feet and he volleyed into the roof of the net.
Colne manager Nigel Coates made two substitutions with 20 minutes remaining, and Norton had to survive a late onslaugh, as Luke McVarish, Ben Hoskin and Hart went close.
In the end a draw was a disappointment for Colne but was probably a fair result on the balance of play.
Colne travel to Winsford tomorrow before ending the season on Monday with a return visit to AFC Liverpool.
BRIAN COATES
Colne Reserves served up high drama at the XLCR Stadium on Monday night as they emerged 3-2 winners over high-flying Curzon Ashton.
Stephen Cassidy gave them an early lead, before Daz Simpson deflected Dave Blackstock’s header in from a corner.
Steven Petty saved a penalty, before Simpson headed a third just before the hour.
Two minutes later, Curzon scored from the spot at the second attempt, and they pulled another back, before Tom Alderman was injured in a tackle, reducing Colne to 10 men after 65 minutes.
But the Reds battled on and emerged victorious.