Atherton Collieries tasted defeat away at FC United, with two second half goals from Josh Askew and Regan Linney settling a close-run affair.
The game got off to a fast-paced start in the sunshine at Broadhurst Park, with both sides seeing glimpses of goal in the opening stages.
Colls sought to unsettle the United backline with relentless pressure from kick off. Ethan Kershaw earned himself an early booking for a full-blooded challenge on FC’s Charlie Ennis.
With United dominating possession on the edge of Colls’ area, the visitors were able to break with regularity, Aaron Smith’s effort into the side netting Colls’ first of the afternoon,
United went close with a succession of efforts from outside the area, Regan Linney and Charlie Ennis both seeing shots whistle over Tabener’s crossbar.
A late run from deep saw Kershaw meet Jack Lenehan’s swinging cross on the half hour mark, but the diminutive midfielder could only watch as his header looped over the bar.
Colls’ final chance before the half fell to Marcus Cusani at the back post, the winger opted for technique over power but his half-volley lacked the pace to test the goalkeeper.
The visitors will have been satisfied with their performance at half-time, but their hard work was undone shortly after the restart, Josh Askew tapping home to give United the lead.
Following the goal the hosts looked to control possession, nullifying Colls threat on the break. The visitors had little to get excited about, bar a handful of fruitless set-pieces.
United went close to extending their lead when Alistair Waddecar struck the post with ten minutes remaining, however Taberner was able to recover and make the second save.
With the game ebbing away, Colls were still fighting to get back into the contest with the United backline kept firmly on their toes.
However it was a defensive mix-up in injury time that would put the game beyond doubt, Danny Taberner pounced on by Regan Linney, who slotted home to seal Colls’ defeat.
Colls: Danny Taberner, Clive Smith, Gaz Peet (C), Niall Battersby, Joel Amado, Luca Defreitas-Hansen, Ethan Kershaw (Anton Smith 78’), Jack Lenehan, Zack Clarke (Elliot Rokka 63’), Aaron Smith (Oli Fannon 84’), Marcus Cusani
Unused: James Hooper, Ryan Katumba
Report: Danny BrownPhoto: Ben Roberts
