The history of Nelson FC is well documented, playing in the Football League in the period between wars, being the first English team to beat Real Madrid in Spain. We instead look at the somewhat high scoring games between the two clubs in the last 10 years to whet the appetite.
Starting on a low, we hark back to 2009 when Colls found themselves staring in the face of relegation from the North West Counties Premier Division. Despite Russ Saunders saving a late Nelson penalty, a 0-0 draw wasn't enough for Colls who eventually did drop into the First Division following a defeat at Silsden.
The clubs resumed rivalries in 2011 following Nelson's resignation and ultimate re-admittance to the league, and we promised you goals! Early in the season, Nelson were victorious 4-3 at their "Little Wembley" ground, despite a Paul Shanley and two Paul Atherton goals. Colls had their revenge the following March running out 5-0 winners at Alder House, with Gaz Burnett bagging a hat-trick.
The following season saw two handsome victories for Colls, both by a three goal margin. Paul Atherton again bagging a brace in the home game as Colls won 5-2 with Gaz Peet scoring two in a 3-0 win away.
Season 13/14 saw the spoils shared as Colls won 2-1 at home after trailing 0-1 at half-time. Mark Truffas equalising before Paul Atherton bagged the points. Sitting 4th in the table, Colls were later beaten 4-2 at the fellow promotion chasers, despite two Gaz Peet goals. Nelson going on to clinch promotion and even had the audacity to sign the aforementioned Gaz Peet the following season.
Colls joined Nelson back the Premier Division in 2015/16 and the goals continued to flow! The away game saw us two down before a Mark Battersby penalty pulled the game back to 3-3 and substitute Jordan Cover ran through to score his second of the night and clinch the game 4-3! After initially being rained off at half-time, our home leg again saw Colls 0-2 and 1-3 down with a Mark Ayres header and trademark penalty reducing the arrears before Jordan Cover pulled us level at 3-3.
Our most recent encounters come in our championship season of 16/17, with two league games and a Men United clash all being played in the first half of the season. In the opening game of the season, our visit to Nelson resulted in a clean sheet and two goals from that man Jordan Cover goals taking the points. The home tie in October saw Colls turn to drop a two goal lead, with Mark Battersby (who else!) having bagged both. Yves Zama earning a point for the visitors. Our last visit to Victoria Park saw us unceremoniously dumped out of the Men United Cup, a competition we had won the previous season. Yves Zama again the danger man as Nelson won 3-0.
Match Preview: Morpeth (A)
December 1, 2023
Atherton Collieries head to Morpeth on Saturday 2nd December, aiming to break a duck which has led to the Colls so far never recording a
