Atherton’s poor run of form continued with a 3-1 home defeat to a well oiled Hednesford Town.
Jake Jervis produced the perfect start for the Pitmen after four minutes, firing home after the Stripes were unable to clear a free kick, in a first half otherwise marred by controversial bookings.
The Black and Whites did score an equaliser at the beginning of the second half, Kielen Adams creating a break down the right for Aaron Dwyer to convert.
Adams was unfortunate not to give the Colls the lead moments later, but within seconds Hednesford regained their advantage instead through Daniel Sparkes.
Another poorly defended free-kick gave Daniel Tickett-Smith the third Pitmen goal in the dying embers, with Sol Honor producing a fine save to prevent an additional goal moments earlier.
The Collieries go again next Saturday with another home clash, with Avro the visitors to the Dreams2Reality Stadium.
