Report: Barnton 0-3 Colls

The Collieries made the journey to league new boys Barnton on Saturday in what was another entertaining NWCFL game. Barnton joined the NWCFL at the start of this season from the Cheshire Football League and before Saturday’s game found themselves in fourth place. It could have potentially been a terrible start for the Colls just three minutes into the game. Goalkeeper Danny Taberner and defender Matt Grimshaw collided on the edge of the area. Barton’s Mark Darbyshire picked up the loose ball and rounded the two lying on the floor, Derbyshire played the ball across goal but the attacking Barnton forwards missed the ball following pressure from Atherton’s defence. Not long after, 12 minutes in, Barnton had another fine opportunity to take the lead. The Barnton corner was drilled into the Collieries’ box but was instantly headed out. Unfortunately, the header landed straight at the feet of Jason McShane who, after taking a touch, fired the ball well over the bar. Six minutes later, another error at the back nearly cost Colls. From a Barnton long ball, Grimshaw taped the ball straight to the feat of the opposition. Anthony Wynne ended up with the ball on the far left quadrant of the area but Wynne curled his shot well over the bar. Atherton’s first substantial effort of the game came on the 20 minute mark. Left back Nathan Battersby curled an inviting ball into the Barnton box, however forward Jordan Cover could only head over. Two minutes later, against the run of play, Atherton took the lead. From a Colls corner Grimshaw, on the edge of the D fired the ball at goal. Fellow centre back Gaz Carson got a touch on the ball to direct it into the back of the net. This goal had the desired effect as the Collieries now took control of the game and two minutes later could have doubled their advantage. Mark Battersby fired his shot well over the bar following pinball in the Barnton penalty area. Half Time – Barnton 0-1 Atherton Collieries Atherton were excellent throughout the second half, they controlled the midfield and offered plenty up front. Two minutes into the second quadrant of the game the Collieries doubled their advantage. Cover passed the ball to M. Battersby on the edge of the area. Battersby easily tapped the ball into the back of the Barnton net. On 56 minutes Colls attacked again, looking for their third goal of the game. Forward Cover’s shot flew well over the bar after the ball was awkwardly played through to him. A minute later and Atherton had another chance. Ben Hardcastle twisted his way into the Barnton area before he fired his shot straight across goal. Colls handled the flow of the game superbly and offered Barnton wave after wave of attack. A minute off the hour mark, Jordan Cover beat the off side trap and found himself one on one will Barnton goalkeeper Daniel Lever, unfortunately Cover chipped his shot just wide of the mark. 64 minutes into the game, the Collieries were awarded a penalty following a hand ball in the Barnton box. Top goal scorer M. Battersby stepped up to take it and scored, sending the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the goal. That penalty was Mark Battersby’s 30th goal of the season, well done Mark! However, Barnton nearly had the opportunity to pull a goal back on 76 minutes. Colls keeper was forced into a superb save after Barnton’s Ahmed Ally wiggled his way into Atherton’s box. Full Time – Barnton 0-3 Atherton Collieries The Collieries now turn their attention to Monday night when they welcome Northern Premier League side Ramsbottom United to Alder House - as always your support will be appreciated.