Brad Cooke’s Colls began 2022 with a point courtesy of a goalless draw away at Lancaster City on New Year’s Day. Backed by a mass of travelling fans, the black and whites started strong at the Giant Axe and almost went ahead just two minutes into the contest as Marcus Cusani’s acrobatic effort crept narrowly wide of the mark.
Managed by Mark Fell, the hosts then enjoyed a spell on top without testing Colls’ goalkeeper Luke Hutchinson before forward Cusani was forced off through injury midway through the first half, replaced by Rowan Roache.
Before the break, Cooke’s men were firmly in the ascendancy and will think themselves unlucky not to have gone into the interval with an advantage.
Jack Lenehan first capitalised on a defensive mistake from the ‘Dollies’ to drive forward and fire just wide with teammate Luca Defreitas-Hansen also unable to direct his headed effort on target having risen highest inside the area to meet a corner.
Though chances came at a premium throughout the second half for both sides, the encounter was far from boring and had a real edge to it throughout with the hosts seeing Simon Wills booked for a rash challenge as the Colls broke forward.
Striker Zack Clarke also went into the book for the black and whites though not before he had stung the palms of Lancaster ‘keeper Wyll Stanway with a low drive after Ethan Kershaw had teed him up.
Colls captain Danny Lafferty also tried his luck with a half volley as the clock ticked into the 75th minute, though that effort went over the Lancaster bar without Stanway being troubled.
At the other end, the hosts applied pressure in the closing stages but Lafferty and co stood firm to ensure a clean sheet. Notably, Lancaster defender Sam Bailey got forward but was unable to guide an effort on target.
Honours even then come full-time at the Giant Axe with the points shared and Cooke’s men received a well-earned ovation from the travelling faithful as they made it four points from two games over the festive period. Colls: Luke Hutchinson, Clive Smith, Joel Amado, Danny Lafferty (C), Luca Defreitas-Hansen, Gaz Peet, Ethan Kershaw (Matty Gillam 72’), Scott Sephton, Jack Lenehan, Marcus Cusani (Rowan Roache 24’), Zack Clarke Unused Subs: Niall Battersby, Aaron Smith, Elliot Rokka Attendance: 435 Bolton Arena Man of the Match: Clive Smith Match Report: Ben Olawumi Photo: David Featherstone Full Photo Gallery: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzx4mq
Report: Stafford 2-0 Colls
November 29, 2023
Stafford Rangers captain Ethan Stewart led firmly by example on Tuesday night, scoring both goals as Atherton Collieries were beaten 2-0 at the Stan Robinson
