Report: Colls 2-0 Droylsden

Goals from Jordan Cover and Tom Bentham means that Atherton Collieries remain at the top of the league. Another home win assures that Colls are unbeaten in the league since early October, with maximum points from three games this month. Despite Colls taking a quick lead, Droylsden had been dominating early parts of the game. A quick break from the home side created the space for Jordan Cover who convincingly drilled the ball past Thompson. Cover now has 15 goals in all competitions, the club’s top scorer this season. Droylsden continued to create chances up until the break, most notably an opening for Sefton Gonzales who skipped past his defender but failed to compose himself at the final moment. Colls lead was doubled shortly into the second half after Tom Bentham latched on to a searching through pass and finished off the upright. Another goal for Bentham makes it four in four for the attacking midfielder. With Droylsden chasing the game, Colls were looking to counter attack at every chance given. Ben Hardcastle, who was at the centre of everything going forward for Colls, had an audacious whipped effort to the far corner denied by the post. Another home win for Colls kept them as league leaders whereas Droylsden have dropped to 16th after consecutive league defeats. Speaking after the game, manager Micheal Clegg spoke of how Droylsden were one of the teams he expected to be challenging for the league, with the resources they have at their disposal. Having identified their danger players, Colls game plan was to nullify those threats, confident that we would create chances of our own. He also spoke in praise of man of the match Tom Bentham, with goals in each of our last four games now, the manager paid tribute to his all round play and contribution to the team. Tom arrived with a big reputation, Cleggy hailing it as "a massive signing for the club", and we are now seeing exactly what the boss meant! Tom himself gave credit to his team mates, highlighting how every player contributes as a collective. The team spirit within the dressing room playing a huge contributing factor to our current position. By playing to the strengths of both himself and Jordan Cover, the team are allowing the forward pairing to forge an ominous partnership. The black and whites are back in action next Saturday (24th November) when Widnes are the visitors to the Skuna Stadium for a 3pm kick off. Atherton Collieries: Greg Hartley, Dave Sherlock, Josh Messer, Danny Lambert, Danny Lafferty ©, Matt Grimshaw, Ben Hardcastle, Tom Bentham (Adam Farrell 76'), Jordan Cover, Vinny Bailey, Gareth Peet. Substitutes (not used): Glenn Matthews, Luke Giverin, Ben Conway, Dale Latham Goal(s): Jordan Cover (21'), Tom Bentham (67') Man of the Match: Tom Bentham Attendance: 302 Match Report: Matthew Butterworth/Colls Media Team Photograph: David Featherstone