Friday night football returned to Alder House as Colls entertained NWCFL Division 1 side Litherland Remyca in the league flagship cup competition the MEN United Cup. Michael Clegg's lads had reached the final last season before losing to the all conquering Glossop North End in a controversial game played in front of over 1000 spectators.
Although there was that many in attendance there was good turn out against a team Colls had beaten on three occasions last season with a 13-1 goal aggregate. with this in mind the Liverpool side set up with a defensive formation. They proved quite resilient in a first half which Colls dominated throughout. When the Remyca defence was breached Paul Willis their experienced custodian was in imperious form and he almost single handedly kept his side in tie. Mark Battersby could only look on in admiration at the quality of a couple of saves Willis pulled off from him. Remyca had a good effort late in the half but an under used Danny Taberner had kept his concentration and was equal to it.
Colls continued their almost total possession domination after the half time oranges but again Remyca defended stoutly. This was until the 70th minute when a wayward back header by a fatigued defender was directed in the path of Mark Battersby who finally got one over on Willis rack up his 9th of the season. There was a palpable sigh of relief all around the football ground. Dave Sherlock put the icing on the cake in the final minute of normal time when headed in form inches out after a dinked goal line centre from Mark Truffas.
A deserved victory against gallant and hardworking opposition to make it 11 games undefeated. Respect to the Remyca lads who came in for a beer after the game and were amongst the last to leave the clubhouse. We enjoyed your company.
The win set up an away clash at old friends Bacup Borough in the last sixteen. I am looking forward to renewing acquaintances Mr Peters.
Colls Team : Danny Taberner, Jake Kenny, Andy Heald (Nathan Battersby 79'), Josh Messer, James Moore, Mark Ayres, Ben Hardcastle (Jacob Jones 81'), Dave Sherlock, Mark Battersby (C), Jordan Cover (Mark Drew 79), & Mark Truffas. Did Not Play - James Kirby & Keith Wedge Match report by Emil Anderson
