The Collieries Emirates FA Cup dream continued with a comprehensive home performance to lower the colours of NPL contemporaries Prescot Cables.
Playing up the camber, the home side were straight at and the Bulls struggled to match the intensity. Experienced stopper Tony Thompson had to spread himself to stop a Kielen Adams thumper. He had previously diverted a Liam Sheppard stinger to safety.
Colls took the lead on 25 minutes. Right back Benjamin Rydel hit a daisy cutter from distance which clipped the inside post on the way in. His third FA Cup goal for the club.
The hosts battled with resilience all game and subdued the Cables attacking threat, and Kielen Adams calmed nerves with 20 minutes remaining following a swift counter attack. Freed one on one with Thompson, he slotted the ball through the gloves-man’s legs. A modicum of luck for Kielen but reward for another steady day at the office.
Prescot developed a head of steam towards the end looking to protect their 12-game unbeaten start to the season and saw a late shot saved on the goal-line by the hand of defender Luke Nock. He took one for his team. The inevitable red card was followed by an equally fine penalty save by Jack Dallimore, kickstarting Atherton’s full-time celebrations.
A history making win. The Stripes have now reached the 3rd quarrying round of the FA Cup on 3 occasions. Team 2026 joins the classes of 1994 and 2021 but this is the first time ever the club has gone through 4 qualifying rounds.
Colls are the current BBC Radio 5 Live FA Cup team of choice and Danny Lafferty rather eloquently described to Colin Murray how proud he was of his group of players in their Sunday morning interview.
On Wednesday, it’s a return to league action with a visit to Anfield based Lower Breck, ko 7.45pm.
