Report: Colls 5-1 Chadderton

The NWCFL fixture sprang to life in the 6th minute when a deep cross by Mark Truffas, returning from a 3 game ban, was butted home from point blank range by Jordan Cover to give Colls the lead. The early goal buoyed the hosts and they played some good stuff on the wet surface but Chadderton were also ruddy health. The attackers were on top and both keepers had to be at best to stop the goals reining in. Particular mention to Colls keeper Danny Taberner and Chaddy no 7 James Curley who were having a personal duel. On three occasions (22nd, 31st and 34th minutes) Curley thought he had scored only to end up cursing the agility of Taberner. Colls should have had a penalty on 40 minutes when Mark Battersby went down in the box from an overtly robust challenge. The home faithful were in uproar when play was waved on. Colls doubled their advantage within five minutes of the restart. Rob Swanton fed Gareth Peet who centred from the byeline. After the ball pinged around the box Truffas' shot rippled the net with the aid of a Chadderton boot. Colls were bossing proceedings and on 66 minutes Cover shot wide. Within 60 seconds Chaddy had pulled a goal back. Taberner had the ball at his feet on the far corner of his 18 yard box. Inexplicably he passed the ball straight to Danny Murray the Chaddy no 9 who was the most surprised man on the ground. However he didn't look the gift horse in the mouth and he stroked home despite Taberner making a valiant attempt to redeem himself. The natives were restless but their nerves were soon calmed when sub Matty Boland made an immediate impression. His pinpoint cross was headed in expertly by Battersby for his 46th goal of the campaign. Colls then turned on the power and increased the lead in the 80th minute. Tom Shaw was given the freedom of the Chadderton penalty area to compose himself before firing home. Matty Boland completed the scoring when he took a neat Shaw pass in his stride and then dinked the ball past Dale Latham. A nice goal to notch up Colls' 100th league goal of the season in only the 24th game for Michael Clegg's boy. Respect! A fine game of football between two quality sides and again vindication of the introduction of the play offs and the extra promotion place. The fayre dished up in the opening period was amongst the best seen at Alder a house all season. Colls finished the stronger and thoroughly deserved the victory but full credit to Steve Patterson and his Chadderton team. Colls Man of the Match -Danny Taberner Also credit to the ground team. When I went on the ground at 8am I was making preparations to get the game called off. However Barry (Badger) Taylor weaved his magic and with a little help from the wind the pitch was deemed playable and it stood up very well. Thanks to Jasper, Badger and Arthur (the Sandman) your work is greatly appreciated. For the statistically minded. 100 goals - The Goalscorers 30 Mark Battersby 14 Mark Truffas 10 Bradley Cooke & Ben Hardcastle 8 Matt Boland & Kristian Holt 5 Wes Bancroft 4 Jordan Cover 2 Mark Ayres, Gareth Carson & Phil Howard 1 Nathan Battersby, Matt Grimshaw, Jake Patton, Gareth Peet, Tom Shaw