Daniel Lafferty picked up a much needed first win as Atherton Collieries manager as the Stripes delivered a hardworking and determined display against Witton Albion.
Colls debutant stopper Matthew Corran was a busy boy early doors through a mixture of powerful Albion forward work and underwhelming ‘Pepball’ play.
The hosts slowly but surely settled in the game and had the ball in the net through Luke Partington only for it to be dubiously chalked off for offside.
The lead came shortly after, the ball was played into a crowded six yard box and turned into his own goal by Jack Walls. The lino had again raised his flag but after a powwow the whistler eventually pointed to the centre circle.
Colls were now playing with verve and Harry Showman soon notched his eighth goal in the Black and White, powering home an unstoppable drive from the edge of the box.
The Atherton defence was tested in the second half but were really well organised. As the Collieries fanbase were beginning to worry that their side was going to have an easy afternoon, there was a twist. Jack Walls scored his second of the game with a fantastic piledriver to halve the deficit.
Despite a few hairy moments, Colls did more than hang on for the last 10 minutes to grind out a vital 3-point return. It was an overdue first ever home league victory over the Cheshire outfit and a second league double of the campaign.
A real team performance but honourable mention to another debutant Sam Olawumi who slotted into the defence seamlessly.
