Going into the game at Atherton, Douglas knew they would be playing the reigning champions of the division, away from home, with only enough players on the night to have one substitute.

It was never going to be an easy task, but due to some outstanding commitment and effort Douglas would come away with a just deserved point after a very exciting game for the neutral to watch.
 
It started well on the night for Douglas who came out with a high tempo and some nice passing. Glenn Johnson in particular was proving to be hard to handle for the Atherton team but chances did not come easily.

One of the few chances that came to Douglas in the first half was to Glenn Johnson who was unlucky in his effort not to put Douglas one up.
 
As the first half went on, Atherton started to stamp some authority on the game and create some chances of their own but they were unable to find any finishing touches.

Just before the 45 minute mark Ian Marsh went on a dazzling run for Douglas beating a few Atherton players only for his shot to be saved well by the keeper. The game went in at the half 0-0.
 
At the start of the second half both teams would have thought they could be leaving with a win if they took the chances that would come their way. It was Douglas who took the game to Atherton for the first part of the second half, but some solid keeping and the crossbar would keep the score still at 0-0.

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As the second half wore on the game became more open which lead to a few more chances falling to both teams. Yet again the finishing boots appeared to be left at home as it was Atherton's turn to hit woodwork and force a good save from Sakae Saito the Douglas keeper.
 
Now the game was heading into the final minutes and both teams kept pushing and hoping to find that elusive goal - Douglas with numerous corners that could not find a solid connection and Atherton continuing to try to break through what was a rock solid Douglas defence.
 
But it was not meant to be for either team on the night in what turned out to be a very exciting and enjoyable 0-0 game. It was notable that the game was played in great spirit with only one yellow card to speak of in the entire game.
 
As for the "Paddy's Irish Bar Man Of The Match Award" it could have gone to a number of the Douglas back line but on the night Neil Burcombe just did enough to edge it.
 
Douglas are on the road again for Game 5 when they travel to Redlynch.