Atherton Collieries finally and deservedly collected the full three points for the first time this campaign, with a controlling and positive display at home to fellow strugglers Mossley.
The Collieries signaled their attacking intent from the off, with Will Riding returning to the starting line-up following a promising display in midweek, and the winger was determined to make his mark with an early effort well saved by Finley Madigan, before his cross to Danny Lafferty was headed narrowly over from the resulting corner.
Calen Gallagher-Allison came the closest in the first half, the Stripes skipper headed straight into the ‘keepers arms from point-blank range after a perfect cross from winger Riding.
The Black and White pressure continued through the second half, with the home defense controlling the game whilst reinforcements such as Ayo Quadri, Lewis Rawsthorn and Max Bardsley-Rowe gave the hosts fresh impetus up front.
It was ultimately Ayo Quadri who produced the killer ball in injury time, producing a perfect cross for Calen Gallagher-Allison to head home for a first win of the campaign.
Following the goal, Mossley finally gave the Collieries defense the opportunity to show their worth for the final minutes of injury time, and the Black and Whites met the challenge as they held on for a second successive clean sheet and a first win of the campaign.
The Collieries have another big task on Tuesday night as they travel to Hanley, followed by the return of Friday night football at the Dreams2Reality Stadium against Runcorn on the 11th, which kick-starts a home double header with the Colls Under 18s taking on Laburnum Rovers in a Flatcap Derby on Sunday 13th.
