It was back to league action on Saturday after four games in both the FA Cup and FA Vase respectively. Bootle the side welcomed to Alder House. Despite the season only being two months old Saturday’s game was the second meeting between both Atherton Collieries and Bootle this season. Of course, the first came in the form of a very good 2-0 win away at the Delta Taxis Stadium in the FA Cup, goals from Kris Holt and Ben Hardcastle. After a fine 3-1 against Ashton Athletic in an FA Vase Replay on Monday night Clegg stuck with the same side for this NWCFL Premier Division encounter. Jake Kenny was still out of the squad due to injury. The game was a close affair throughout as both sides struggled to gain any form of momentum and control the game. On seven minutes, the Collieries were prevented by only an interception in their attempt to take the lead in the first attack of the game. Hardcastle and Mark Truffas shared the left wing for this forward move as Hardcastle lobbed the ball over the Bootle defence for Truffas to perfectly read and run onto. However, before Truffas could get a foot to the ball it was cleared away for a corner by the alert Bootle defence. After this effort the Colls were on the back foot for a period of the game as the Blues had two chances within quick succession on 12 and 16 minutes respectively. The first came when Sean Coulton headed wide from a corner. Whereas, the second came when Tom Peterson wriggled into the Colls’ box and attempted to play a pass across the face of goal. Unfortunately for the forward, the Atherton defence managed to intercept. On 22 minutes the Collieries were presented with a very good opportunity to take the lead. GazPeet curled a perfect ball into the box. Only a tap was required to direct it into the back of the net. However, no one managed to get a touch on the ball as the ball bounced away for a Bootle throw. The Colls were made to rue the earlier efforts when on 24 minutes Bootle took the lead. From a corner, Joseph Peacock tapped the ball into the back into the net as the Colls’ defence failed to clear the ball. In an attempt to get back into the game Atherton moved forward and explored possible ways to attack. On 29 they were awarded a free kick just outside the Bootle area. Mark Battersby stood up and took responsibility. Sadly, M. Battersby’s free kick curled well wide of the all-important mark. Minutes later and another one of M. Battersby’s effortssailed wide. Truffas curled a wonderful ball into the box for M. Battersby to rise highest and head the ball on towards goal. However, M. Battersby’s header flew past the post. M. Battersby was at the heart of the action yet again on 33 minutes when he chased a long ball forward towards him. M. Battersby ran towards to the left wing before the striker drilled the ball across to the Bootle area. Truffas was the first one to get to the ball however, the midfielder fired his shot straight at David Moran. Atherton had two efforts just before halftime to ensure they didn’t go into the interval behind. The first of which saw Jimmy Moore head wide from a corner and the second saw M. Battersby denied by Moran after a fine individual turn and shoot. Half Time – Atherton Collieries 0-1 Bootle The second half was a period of the game with very little actionas both sides struggled to break each other down. Brad Cooke had a half chance on 60 minutes, his cross-come-shot sailed over the bar after very little pressure from the Blues defence. The best opportunity of the half, and arguably the game, came three minutes later. Hardcastle played a corner into the packed Bottle box for M. Battersby to head on, towards Mark Ayres on the far end of the box. The defender then drilled the ball back into the danger area before Truffas poked the ball wide from eight yards out. Bootle had an effort of their own as the clock hit the 67 minute mark. Striker Kieran Halligan played a perfect ball into the area for Jamie Hey. The midfielder nestled his header straight into Taberner’s palms. Kirby was denied by a strong Moran save with 15 minutes left on the clock. The goalkeeper did well as he got down and collected Kirby’s low and hard shot. It was obviously a half in which the Goalkeepers excelled as on 85 minutes Taberner was forced into a superb save. From a Hey free kick, Taberner tipped the ball over, away for a corner. Seconds remained on the clock when Peet turned a Cover free kick wide. Full Time – Atherton Collieries 0-1 Bootle A poor game and poor performance from both sides but Bootle left Alder House the better of the two as they had the three points, congratulations to them and best of luck for the rest of the season. The Collieries will bounce back from this defeat on Monday (tomorrow) as they welcome Barnoldswick Town to Alder House for yet another NWCFL Premier Division encounter. Thank you to all who turned out to support the Colls on Saturday; your support is appreciated by everyone at the Football Club. Atherton Collieries: Danny Taberner, Nathan Battersby, Keith Wedge, Kris Holt, James Moore, Mark Ayres, Ben Hardcastle, Bard Cooke (C), Mark Battersby, Mark Truffas and Gaz Peet – Substitutes: James Kirby, Jordan Cover, Josh Messer, Matt Grimshaw and Andy Heald. Bootle: David Moran (C), Vita Mbokele, David Taylor, Mark Kilroy, Sean Coulton, Michael Ordish, Will Smart, Jamie Hay, Tom Peterson, Kieran Haligan and Joseph Peacock – Substitutes: Shaun Harris, James McGrane, Jay Roberts, Daniel O’Connor and Josh Hamilton. Match Report by Zach Pierce
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
