Atherton Collieries came from behind to record a 2-1 win against FC United in their opening Northern Premier League fixture.
Goals from Aaron Smith and Adam Rooney completed an impressive turnaround after Max McCarthy had given the home side an early lead.
The game got off to a lively start on a sweltering afternoon at Broadhurst Park, the first chance of the game seeing Gaz Peet curl narrowly wide from a free kick in a promising position.
United took the lead inside the first ten minutes, an error in communication seeing Donahue nick the ball away from Nico Defreitas-Hansen, giving Max McCarthy a simple finish to give the home side the lead.
Colls response came almost immediately, Aaron Smith picking the ball up on the edge of the area and unleashing a low drive that struck the inside of the post and bounced across the line on 13 minutes.
A series of dangerous free-kick deliveries provided most of Colls threat throughout the first half, Jay Fitzmartin forcing a strong save from Lavercombe after the ball fell to him on the left-hand side.
It was a set piece that gave Colls the advantage after the break, Jay Fitzmartin's whipped-in delivery met by the head of Adam Rooney, who's looping effort dipped under the crossbar with his back to goal.
With Colls in the lead the result could easily have been more comfortable, Marcus Cusani intercepting a goal kick on the hour mark, skipping past two challenges before firing agonisingly wide.
As the game crept into the final stages, United dominated possession as they pushed for an equaliser but the Colls back four sat deep and defended resolutely.
After a hefty amount of added time, the final whistle sparked celebrations among the travelling Colls faithful and players alike as the black and whites recorded the perfect start to their league campaign.
Colls: Nico Defreitas-Hansen, Adam Rooney, Gaz Peet, Jack Lenehan, Danny Lafferty (C), Joel Amado, Ethan Kershaw, Aaron Smith (Max Bardsley-Rowe 80'), Scott Bakkor (Dec Daniels 88'), Jay Fitzmartin (Oli Roberts 75'), Marcus Cusani
Unused subs:Luke Nicholls
Report: Danny Brown
Photo: Dave Featherstone
Man of the Match: Adam Rooney, sponsored by @TheCollsGals
