Match Preview: Grantham Town (H)

With Tuesday night’s Emirates FA Cup progression fresh in the heads of Cooke’s lads, attention now turns to the Pitching In Premier League as Colls welcome Grantham Town to the Skuna Stadium. After an initial set-back from the penalty spot, Atherton were able to see off Bridlington Town at the second time of asking. Goals from Marcus Cusani, Elliot Rokka and Jack Lenehan booked the Black and White’s place in the Second Qualifying Round. After the game, Cooke highlighted the initial set-back as a cause for concern, “I am very relieved after the first 25 minutes, we just didn’t come out of the traps at all. They (Bridlington) hit the bar after 30 seconds and were slinging the ball into the box. I didn’t think they created many clear-cut chances, but they certainly had us under pressure. But then we settled into the game and deservedly got an equaliser. Second half, I thought we looked a level above to be fair.” Grantham Town, on the other hand, were back in league action on Tuesday. The Gingerbreads are starting to find their form after failing to build on the opening day win against Radcliffe. Michael Williams opened the evening’s entertainment with a surreal goal. The midfielder spotted the Mickelover ‘keeper off of his line and lobbed him from 40 yards out. Grantham, though, were unable to claim all three points, Mickelover equalising just before the break. In his post-match thoughts, Town Manager Carlton Palmer spoke of his team’s attacking play, “I thought we were good attacking wise, only for the last 15 minutes of the first-half did we find ourselves stretched and we gave a goal away.” The last time Grantham made the journey North to the Skuna Stadium was back in March 2020, just weeks before COVID-19 curtailed that season and the next. A 2-0 victory for the Colls that day thanks to Louis Myers and Ben Conway’s finishes. The three points acted as a nice warm-up for the evening ahead, post-match shenanigans with the Lottery Winners in the Clubhouse ensued. The local band excellently headlined the days proceedings, and the one-time pink strip is still fond in Atherton hearts. Looking ahead to this fixture, Cooke highlighted this as another tough game for his lads, “Every single game that we play is tough and we need to be on our metal. They will be scrapping for points, as everybody is at this stage of the season. We have got to be prepared; we have got to be ready. Hopefully, we can give it a good go and come away with three points.” Date: Saturday 11th September 2021 Time: 15:00 Address: The Skuna Stadium, Alder Street, Atherton, M46 9EY Admission: Adults – £10 Concessions – £6 Under 18’s – £4 Under 11’s – Free