LICHFIELD City dug deep to secure a point against Atherton Collieries.

Both sides faced tough conditions at the Trade Tyre Community Stadium as the hosts looked to haul themselves off the foot of the Northern Premier League West.

The opening exchanges saw little in the way of clear-cut chances, with the visitors going closest in the first half-hour when Kielen Adams' dangerous cross just about managed to evade everyone in the box.

Atherton also saw their penalty appeals waved away eight minutes before half-time after Liam Shepard went down in the box.

Lichfield's best chance of the first half came when Charlie Shaw's low drive was turned around the post.

The second half saw Atherton dominate the possession, while City continued to look a threat on the break.

It looked as though the visitors would grab all three points in stoppage time, but a fine double save from Brandon Bache ensured the game ended level with the spoils shared.