Colls put in a first half display of tepid indifference which allowed an on point LR outfit to virtually put the ‘Flat Cap Derby’ Emirates FA Cup tie to bed.
The day had started well for those of a Collieries persuasion. Well over a hundred supporters had joined the drum led march from the Dreams2Reality Stadium to Crilly Park via Bolton Road and under the railway bridge. A good time was had by all and they were more than ready to join their brethren already inside the packed ground to play their full part in proceedings.
The teams created a half chance apiece before the hosts took the lead. Owen Green deftly headed a cross into the far corner of the goal with the Colls rearguard static. The advantage was doubled with ten minutes of the half remaining when Harvey Sample’s low penalty area effort somehow cleared a perfect path through a packed box. Elvis Amoakwa’s unmarked header moments before half time added more gloss to a white-hot home team display. Colls on the other hand, had been simply woeful.
Colls returned to the midden definitely much more focused after a clear the air team talk from hell and soon got some skin in the game. Che Uche was upended in the box and he dusted himself down before coolly reducing the arrears. Game on? Well for a couple of minutes or so at least. LR then rightfully received a penalty of their own after some defensive dithering and Joe Bacon finished with confidence.
Kieran Alley’s 90th minute goal of the game, power blaster from distance made it nap before Tom Bentham tapped in for his first Colls goal of the campaign.
LR took their place the hat for the next round with a vibrant display. They certainly got the occasion totally and deserved their night (and beyond)of celebrations.
Colls must now re-focus for next Saturday’s FA Trophy fixture at Silsden. The real Atherton Collieries must stand up.
