Report: Colls 0-2 Ossett Town

A little bit of history was made at the Kensite yesterday afternoon as the Collieries took on Ossett Town for the first time in the Club's history. Keen to bounce back from Tuesday's defeat at Prescot Cables, Manager Michael Clegg shook things up, George West and Johnny Gorman were brought into the side with new signing Ashley Woods making his debut up top. Three points would be no easy task though, Town were one game away from promotion last season, and are keen to get the job done this time around. Ultimately, this Evo-Stik match winning experience made the difference on the rather damp Kensite surface, playing host to a rather routine win for the visitors, Town simply took chances presented to them in a game that was mainly played in midfield. Indeed, they were the first to threaten on 15 minutes, Corey Gregory heading a free ball over Atherton stopper Adam Reid just yards from goal. The Collieries had this covered however, Reid back-peddled and collected. As the half progressed, the Colls settled and played some of their better stuff during the 90. With easy on the eye, attacking football the order of the day, Ossett struggled to cope. Indeed, the home side was in charge. This showed on the half-hour mark, Goalkeeper Leigh Overton saved well from a Chris Lynch bullet header. The stopper dived up towards the top right hand corner and parried the ball away from danger. The two sides continued to cancel one another out throughout the second period of the game, as a result very little quality was on show and the 182 in attendance witnessed a frustrated game of football. On 55 minutes, Town got their break-through. An in-swinging free-kick was riffled into the back of the net by the troublesome Gregory on the far post. Reid could only watch as the ball flew past him. An instant Atherton response ensued. Winger Gorman denied from close range as he poked the ball straight at Lynch’s legs. There was very little drive or energy from both sides, a rarity in a game involving the Collieries. However, once again the visitors flexed their Evo-Stik mussels and doubled their advantage on 71 minutes. Hancock was allowed to slip through thanks to a fine, defence-splitting ball. One-on-one with Reid, Hancock finished well as he lobbed the ball well over the keeper and into the back of the net. At 2-0 it became obvious that this game was over and done with, Town had the three points in the bag. The Colls struggled to create any clear cut chances and, as a result, fell to their second defeat of the season. Late on, Reid made a superb double save to make sure Atherton left the field falling to a respectable score line at least. A disappointing defeat for the black and whites but full respect must be paid to Ossett Town, without flattering, they made the journey down to the Kensite and picked up three points. They got the job done. Obviously, this comes with Evo-Stik game town, the Collieries are still learning and will continue to do so throughout this historic season. Atherton Collieries: Adam Reid, Christopher Lynch, Gareth Peet, Daniel Lambert, Matthew Grimshaw, Daniel Lafferty ©, Johnny Gorman (Darrhyl Mason 61’), Kristian Holt, Ashley Woods, Iain Howard and George West (Ben Hardcastle 61’) – Unused Substitutes: Joshua Messer, Jamie Forbes and Jordan Grant. Ossett Town: Leigh Overton, Antony Mackie, Isaac Assenso, Corey Gregory, Josh Snowden, Alex Low, Martin Pemberton, Steve Ridley, Alex Peterson ©, Kai Hancock and Ashley Jackson – Substitutes: Seon Ripley, Sam Wright, Ryan Ferguson, Liam Owen and Daniel Gibbons. Attendance – 182 Man of the Match – TBC Match Report by Zach Pierce Photo by David Featherstone