Atherton Collieries once again offered an attractive brand of football at home against Lancaster City, however were undone by the experience and maturity of the on form play-off hopefuls. The Stripes started well, with Ben Rydel threatening in the opening stanza whilst Mwiya Malumo was also unlucky not to score courtesy of Sidi Fofana.
However, it was Lancaster's Simon Grand who opened the scoring. The Collieries were unable to clear their lines as a low ball came into the six yard box, and the half chance was somehow scrambled home by the visitors.
Nico Defreitas-Hansen was once again in fine form following the goal, pulling off a top save after a rogue loss of possession from the Colls defence.
For the most part, both teams were limited to half chances throughout the first half, and the second half offered more of the same.
Lancaster's Nico Evangelinos was the first to try his luck in the second half, firing high and wide from an ambitious distance. Colls' Josh Askew followed up with an attempt of his own moments later, however the simple low catch was almost spilt into the net by Lancaster stopper Andre Mendes.
A penalty was awarded for Lancaster moments later, a 50/50 coming together between Ben Rydel and Brad Carroll on the edge of the box resulted in the referee pointing to the spot.
Nico Evangelinos, who has always been a formidable opponent of the Collieries over recent years, was on hand to convert, though Nico Defreitas-Hansen was unlucky having managed to get a palm onto the effort.
The Collieries sparked into life towards the end of the game, with Mwiya Malumo, Jordan Scanlon and Ben Rydel all offering a consistent threat with designs on notching a consolation goal.
The most notable chance came through Mwiya Malumo, who outpaced Andre Mendes to a loose ball, however couldn't find the passing option to convert amongst the misaligned Lancaster defence with the 'stopper in no-mans land.
Lancaster finished the game good value for their 2-0 victory, however the Colls can't be faulted for their style or workrate throughout the game, with the experience and maturity of the visitors the deciding factor in a game of fine margins. Next up, the Collieries FA Cup dream commences with a trip to Guisborough Town on Saturday 2nd September. Please contact the club for more details of travel arrangements. Title favourites Radcliffe are the next challengers at the Skuna Stadium on Saturday 9th September. Colls Man of the Match - Presented by Die Familie Anderson: Dylan Moonan, available to sponsor The Colls: Nico Defreitas-Hansen, Josh Solomon-Davies (60' Krisel Prifti), Josh Askew, Dylan Moonan, Jordan Fagbola ©, Jack Evans, Rio Pemberton, Sidi Fofana, Mwiya Malumo, Jordan Scanlon and Ben Rydel - Subs (Unused): Jack Buckley, Harvey Gregson and Lewis Mansell
News: Harvey Gregson departs
December 1, 2023
Atherton Collieries would like to wish the best of luck to departing midfielder Harvey Gregson, who has today departed the club to join playoff chasing
