LEIGH Athletic snatched what could prove to be a crucial point with a last-minute goal against promotion rivals Breightmet United on Saturday.

Neil Sumner crashed home a stoppage-time equaliser for the home side after Curtis Farlow had put the visitors ahead with a “sweet strike” on 75 minutes.

The draw ensured Leigh finished the year in Division One's third and final promotion place, while Breightmet remain in sixth, three points behind Leigh having played three games more.

Leigh’s late equaliser provided a frustrating finale to a match Breightmet manager Simon Wilcox felt his side had dominated from start to finish.

“I just couldn’t see them scoring,” he said.

“Our goalkeeper hardly had a save to make all game and they never really created a clear-cut chance.

“We were the side looking to make the breakthrough in the opening half and that trend continued after the break.

“When Curtis finally put us ahead with what was a sweet strike from just near the penalty spot I thought we looked in total control, so it is disappointing to only come away with a point.

“We have got to learn to put these teams away if we want to push for promotion.

“I definitely think there is time left, we just need to find that cutting edge to turn these draws into wins.”

Breightmet have drawn six of their 15 games so far, winning just four, while Leigh have won six and drawn three of their 12 matches.

They went into the game in fine form, having gone six games unbeaten and without conceding in their previous five games.

But club spokesman Karl Shepherd admitted they were fortunate to continue their unbeaten run.

“We have played a lot better than that in recent weeks,” said Shepherd.

“Breightmet are a tough, physical side and they gave us a real test.

“I don’t think either side created too many chances, but Neil’s equaliser certainly got us out of jail.”

There were no other games for local sides in the Manchester League, with Pennington’s match at home to Beechfield United postponed in Division One and both Hindsford and Atherton Town’s home games falling foul of the weather in the Premier Division.