Report: Colls 4-2 Atherton LR

Colls were pushed all the way and made to work hard by a hard-working and passionate Rovers side. Almost 400 hardy souls braved the drizzle for the first Flat Cap Derby of the season, and they were treated to a cracker under the floodlights at Alder House. As expected LR came out flying, trying to upset their high-flying rivals and trying to stamp their authority on the game, although LR left back Mark McKay was a little too eager and found his way into the referees notebook for a rash tackle after just 5 minutes. That kind of desire showed throughout the LR team and it was no surprise when they took the lead on 17 minutes through Right Back Jamie Forbes, he bombed forward and unleashed a ferocious shot past Danny Taberner in the Colls goal. Not long after, Mark McKay saw red for his second yellow card, a late tackle, and although not malicious a second yellow and ultimately a red card was warranted. No complaints from McKay as he'd already started walking before the referee produced his card. As expected Colls showed more promise having the extra man, but failed to capitalise. Kris Holt and Mark Battersby both failing to take their chances and LR went in at half-time, deservedly 1-0 up. After the break you'd have expected Colls to come out firing and get back into the game, but despite having a man less on the field, LR doubled their lead 10 minutes in, Jack Burke the scorer and a proper cup upset was on the cards. This however, finally awoke the Colls players and defender Mark Ayres was on hand at the far post to tap home and make for an interesting final 15 minutes. Then with just under 10 minutes left substitute Jordan Cover, who's introduction midway through the second half changed the game, forced an equaliser to take the game into extra time. Before the 90 minutes were up we saw the second red card of the game, Colls defender and first goalscorer Mark Ayres saw red and we were to play an extra 30 minutes 10 v 10. As we headed into extra-time there was only going to be one winner. Despite LR's performance on the night, two goals in the opening period of ET saw Colls through. Cover again getting on the scoresheet as he barged his way through the penalty box and put Colls into the lead for the first time. Then top scorer Mark Battersby made sure of the win with an excellent shot from 20 yards out to add to his already impressive goal tally. A fantastic game played in wet miserable conditions and in front of a fantastic 398 crowd. What more could you want from a local cup Derby. Colls were then drawn to play away at Barnton in the next round. Match report by Stewart James from NonLeagueReview.