Atherton Collieries collapsed to a frustrating 4-1 defeat away to Gainsborough Trinity despite a strong showing in spells at the Northolme Stadium. Indeed, the first half was an even and end-to-end affair, with both teams enjoying their fair share of chances.
However it was Trinity who took the lead through a well-fortuned penalty. Dayle Southwell fell under the faintest slither of contact from Nico Defreitas-Hansen, before brushing himself down to convert.
The Colls continued to fight despite the setback, with Lewis Mansell providing a constant threat towards the Holy Blues defence.
The Clarets came out for the second half rejuvenated and took the visitors to the hilt throughout the opening exchanges, however the wind was taken from the sails when Trinity converted a second against the run of play. A well taken free-kick found Dylan Cogill who headed low to double the lead.
The lads continued to fight to work their way back into the game, and received an overdue and rare slice of luck with a penalty awarded for a clip on Lewis Mansell at the far post, and Jordan Scanlon stepped up to score his third goal for the club.
However, with every blow landed by the Colls, Gainsborough would reply with two of their own, and with the Colls again regaining their foothold the Trinity instantly converted a free-kick of their own to re-establish their advantage.
An unusual opportunity came for the Colls through an indirect free-kick within the penalty area, which also saw the Trinity goalkeeper booked for breaking the oft-ignored six-second rule. Ben Rydel, who has impressed as a creative outlet for the Colls throughout the season so far, was substituted into action for the opportunity, but the Clarets couldn't capitalise.
A nail was added to the Collieries coffin as Harvey Gregson was dismissed with a second yellow for a succession of fouls.
Joel Holvey compounded the Stripes misery as he headed home in injury time, punishing a disheartened and deflated Colls.
A lesson for the Collieries young guns who were gleefully dispatched by the Lincolnshire outfit. Lancashire rivals Bamber Bridge visit the Skuna on Tuesday evening for a Pitching In NPL Premier Division contest, 7.45pm kick-off. The Colls: Nico Defreitas-Hansen, Josh Solomon-Davies (73' Ben Rydel), Lewis Coulton, Jack Evans, Jordan Fagbola (45' Mwiya Malumo), Jordan Boon, Harvey Gregson, Dylan Moonan, Lewis Mansell, Jordan Scanlon, Nathan Caine (81' Rio Pemberton) Man of the Match, presented by Follow Colls Away: Lewis Mansell, sponsored by Emily & the Colls Gals
News: Harvey Gregson departs
December 1, 2023
Atherton Collieries would like to wish the best of luck to departing midfielder Harvey Gregson, who has today departed the club to join playoff chasing
