Atherton Collieries U18’s took on Chorley FC U18’s, in a very cold and windy Westhoughton on Sunday, to start a new month of North West Youth Alliance action.
Chorley won the reverse fixture 1-2 at Kearsley at the start of October with a last minute penalty snatching the points.
With that in mind the Young Colls had the bit between their teeth, to go and get a positive result in this one.
With CB and Captain Callum Knox a reliable figure both at the back and in terms of goal contributions this term, the Young Colls knew they had even more of a chance.
The game started frantically, soon settling with Chorley enjoying the lion’s share of possession and knocking the ball around with intent. The wind down the left side made life hard for the young stripes to utilize that side of the pitch.
As the middle 3rd became a focal area in the match, the Colls Vice Captain Nathan Critchley, a key figure for the Young Colls this season, started to enforce his energy and desire, winning individual duels, with the aim, to get his side on the front foot, alongside Ethan Rowe.
A difference in shape for Colls – a tactical decision made consciously by the Management team to combat the opponent, offered chances, good build up down the right flank on a few occasions, presented goalscoring opportunities, but none in the end rippled the Chorley net. Colls should have been leading.
Chorley created themselves, after good work between the 3rd’s they were in on goal, but Young Colls debutant GK, Thomas Wilson stood strong and was equal to them with both his hands and feet.
Chorley attacked down the left creating a chance in the channel, swallowed by Wilson, but shortly after Chorley struck first down the left again, a ball in behind left Wilson 1 v 1 he initially gathered well, but the ball fell loose and Chorley capitalised. Unfortunate for the young man who had been superb thus far, including his comfortable and shrewd distribution and confidence to play out from the back.
Just before half time the young stripes capitalised from – Yes, you guessed it – a set piece corner. Nathan Critchley whipped a fine ball in from the left, which was half cleared, before a second phase bullet inside the box from the Colls captain Callum Knox – again – made it 1-1.
At Half Time instructions were given, roles were simplified and tactical tweaks implemented, as Colls came out on the front foot with the aim to be more creative and cleaner in possession.
Chorley regained some possession in patches, but Colls threatened more and more, especially through right winger Rio Sutherland.
As Colls won possession they transitioned quicker, creating more and fashioning chances. Coming close on a few occasions. Notably through Sutherland who drove at the Chorley backline, rode a challenge, cut inside and hit a right footed strike at goal, well saved by the keeper.
Chorley regained possession and threatened themselves in Central areas, capitalising on loose balls and keeping Colls on their toes.
That’s until Colls, again, from a Corner, struck. Whipped in from the right, into a key specified area, Callum Knox rose highest, bulleting the ball into the top left hand stanchion – Clinical!
Colls were reduced to 10 men shortly after and had to ride a few waves as a result. Working hard to protect their lead, but by no means negatively. After resolute & determined defending, and 2 big ball winning challenges from Tom Darlington and Declan Metcalfe, Colls had almost done enough.
Until a ball fell loose on the edge of the box, a pocket of space was found, resulting in a Chorley shot on goal, it looped up and over Wilson, under the bar and Chorley had all but salvaged a point.
As the Young Colls kicked off, the referee brought the game to an end, and the points were shared.
After 90 minutes in a windy wintery Westhoughton, it finished at FT: 2-2!
MoTM – Colls Captain Callum Knox showed steel overall and contributed 2 very good headed goals, overall this season a solid member of the team, whose goals have been crucial – and who has been as vocal as ever, as a leader!
