Atherton Collieries U18s took on Curzon Ashton U18’s in the NWYA Open Cup at Essa Academy.
The game began frantically, and in tricky wet and windy conditions, both sides had to try and gain a foothold.
The Young Stripes worked the ball well and showed lots of trained elements early on, and after good linkup in forward areas, chances came in a wave.
Ike Iwelu most notably produced a big chance from just inside the box, deflected just over and wide.
Curzon went direct and tried to find their forwards in behind a back four of Dec Metcalfe, Emmanuel Kolanole, Claudio Palmer and Harry Rothwell, but the lads defended resolutely and Claudio stood strong, commanding as ever in the air.
As the game became a midfield battle, Colls struck in transition, a lovely ball played down the right, received by Malik Mohammed who drove inside across the edge of the box and struck a left footed dart into the bottom left – lift off!
Shortly after, Curzon replied, a loose ball was capitalised upon and a deflected effort from the edge found its way into the Colls goal.
Not deflated, the coaching staff motivated and positively reinforced, and moments later, Malik Mohammed struck again. After being released into the left channel after good work in midfield, he showed pace, composure and eloquence, with a lovely poke past the onrushing Curzon keeper.
As the game edged towards half time in the Bolton rain, it became a real battle again, with loose balls and turnovers of possession from both sides a regular, Curzon struck. A 25 yard strike from the right of the box arrowed past Hayden Davis after the ball had fallen loose from a 50-50. A strike worthy of a half time stalemate.
Colls rallied at HT – however found the first 15 minutes of the second half unforgiving, with Curzon’s tails up, and with Colls players taking a few painful knocks.
Mike Curlesa was next to come close after great work down the left, beating two men, chopping outside and driving his shot towards the keepers near post, but the Curzon stopper was equal to it.
After changes were made, the mojo returned and after sustained pressure Colls won a corner.
With Callum Knox rested and watching on, it was left to his defensive partner Claudio to cause attacking chaos in the box! That he did, climbing highest to nod home another set piece header.
The lads fought hard, winning second balls, 50-50 duels and showing good game management, until a questionable free kick was awarded on the 82 minute mark, just inside the Colls half.
Curzon delivered a deep flighted cross that evaded all but the free man in blue, who pounced to equalise for the visitors.
Concentration was required, as Curzon had all of the momentum, but the lads showed the heart, desire and will to see it through to full time and secure the penalty shootout.
Colls won the resultant penalty shootout. With the score at 4-4 after a save a piece from the two keepers, Davis produced a save from the Nash ‘keeper, leaving sixth taker for Colls, Ethan Rowe, responsible for a potential Colls win.
He obliged with a rocket from the spot into the keeper’s right hand corner, and the Colls lads sprinted to the corner to celebrate. He had his moment in Black and White. Get In!
Report: Harlan Fallon
