GRIMSHAW EQUALISER EARNS POINT FOR COLLS
Atherton Collieries 1 Irlam 1
A point earned saw Atherton Collieries extend their lead at the top of the Hallmark Security League Premier Division ahead of the weekend’s games, but it’s a result that Micheal Clegg might see as two points dropped as Colls were held to a score home draw for the second time in five days after Monday’s 2-2 draw with Nelson. In a frenetic encounter that what it lacked in quality and goalmouth machine was made up for in intensity and card-happy refereeing, neither side threatened much from the opening forty five minutes, with Irlam goalkeeper Matthew Green forced in to only a couple of comfortable saves while Adam Reid in the Colls goal was a virtual spectator as the game centred around the midfield battleground. The visitors went in front on fifty three minutes when inevitably ex Colls player Matty Boland got on the scoresheet as he came up against his former side for the first time, sweeping the ball past Reid as the ball broke to him inside the penalty area. Irlam’s lead lasted only five minutes though until centre back Matt Grimshaw levelled the scores, firing home from twelve yards out after a bit of penalty area pinball from a Colls corner. The visiting defence remained resolute and did a good job of retaining possession while still posing a threat on the break, though they were fortunate to survive two gilt-edged Colls opportunities shortly after the hour mark as first Ben Hardcastle rolled Darrhyl Mason through on goal only to be denied by a smart Green save with his legs, with the resultant corner being curled agonisingly around the post after it fell to Vinny Bailey on the edge of the penalty area. Neither side could find a breakthrough and had to be pleased with a share of the spoils, with Colls’ next outing coming on Tuesday (18th October, 7.45pm) when they visit West Didsbury & Chorlton before welcoming Jarrow Roofing BCA to The Kensite Stadium for an FA Vase First Round tie on Saturday 22nd October at 3pm. Atherton Collieries; Adam Reid, Jake Kenny, Gareth Peet, Josh Messer, Matt Grimshaw, Jamie Forbes, Ben Hardcastle, Vinny Bailey, Mark Battersby (Brad Cooke), Darrhyl Mason (Jordan Cover), Mark Truffas (Dave Sherlock). Substitutes (not used); Danny Lafferty, James Brooks Attendance - 274 Match report by Matt Lawton Photo by David Featherstone
