Preview: Colls v Litherland

Friday 23rd October 2015 - 19:45 Atherton Collieries v Litherland REMYCA Men United Cup - Second Round Having reached the final of the Men United Cup last season, Atherton Collieries will be hoping they have another successful campaign this time around. Michael Clegg's side received a bye to enter the competition at the Second Round, while visitors Litherland REMYCA had to see off Holker Old Boys, winning 3-1. Litherland have had a steady start to their second season in the NWCFL. They currently sit in seventh position in the First Division but have won just once in their last seven outings. There have been three previous meetings between Colls and REMYCA with the black and white stripes coming out on top each time. The first meeting came last August when Collieries won 6-0 thanks to goals from Mark Battersby (2), Mark Truffas (2), Phil Howard and Jake Patton. There wasn't another meeting until March when the sides met twice in quick succession. One of the most difficult tests of the title winning season came at the Litherland Sports Park where a rejuvenated REMYCA played fantastically under new manager Phil Stafford. Louis Austin opened the scoring for the home side with a wonder goal before a Mark Ayres penalty was dispatched the bring the score back on level terms. The final action of the first half saw Mark Truffas convert a free kick to give Colls the lead. Stand in captain Kristian Holt was sent off in the second half before Gareth Peet sealed the win late on. Our last meeting was in the semi-final of the First Division Cup where Collieries won 4-0 on an extremely wet afternoon in downtown 'Bent. Mark Battersby opened the scoring before adding a second just after the interval. Brad Cooke added a third before a place in the final was sealed thanks to a wonder goal from Matty Boland. Admission Adults £5, Concessions (including students) £3 Programme £1.50