Atherton Collieries can't be faulted for their attacking football & intent despite a 3-0 loss against a ruthless Matlock, walking away frustrated despite having caused danger to the hosts throughout. The Claret & Whites started the game as they meant to go on, with Sidi Fofana, Jordan Scanlon and Harvey Gregson dominating the opening stanza.
Gregson first threatened in the fifth minute, drawing a great save from Matlock stopper Saul Deeney following a well worked move by Fofana and Scanlon.
Scanlon himself was the next to test Deeney, a sharp interception from Fofana teeing up the characteristically lively midfield for a well blocked shot.
The next effort for the Colls came through Nathan Caine, who fired a stinging free-kick into the wall which was deflected narrowly wide.
However, ruthlessness was ultimately the order of the day, and Matlock Town punished the Stripes against the run of play after 22 minutes.
The Gladiators launched a wide counter attack through Nathaniel Crofts, whose cross was well met by Ollie Clark to convert.
The Stripes continued to play positive football and threaten, with Scanlon coming close from range with a well worked shot following a corner, but it was Matlock who found the second goal.
Having missed the simplest of chances moments earlier, Jon Margetts converted as the Colls were simply unable to clear their lines following a counter attack on the right.
The second half was a continuation of the first, whilst the Collieries offered the quantity of the day's attacks, it was Matlock who delivered the decisive clinical quality.
Mwiya Malumo was the first to threaten, a dangerous ball forwards prompted Matlock's Deeney to run into no man's land, and Malumo lifted the ball towards the open goal but landed inches wide with his effort.
Frustrations rose for the Colls soon after. With supporters appealing and the linesman flagging following consecutive rough tackles from behind on Harvey Gregson, the referee waved play on before awarding a Matlock penalty for an identikit tackle in the box moments later.
Jon Margetts, who was fouled for the decision, dusted himself down and duly converted.
Despite now facing a harsh 3-goal deficit, the Stripes continued to produce eye catching football, but were receiving a tough lesson in the ruthless nature of Northern Premier League football.
Over the final ten minutes of the game, Rio Pemberton made his mark and set-up two chances for Ben Rydel and Harvey Gregson, whilst Jordan Scanlon produced the brightest moment of the game as he dribbled through the entire Matlock defence only to shoot into the side netting.
Matlock had a key chance of their own in the dying embers, but Nico produced his first major save to prevent what would have been a very harsh fourth goal.
David Chadwick's Claret & Whites received a warm reception from the loud & proud travelling faithful upon the final whistle.
Though the result wasn't to be, it wasn't for the lack of trying as the lads had produced one of the strongest attacking performances since the Colls promotion to Step 3. Next up, the Colls are on the road through Derbyshire once more as they travel to Basford United, and will be looking to bounce back with all three points. Colls: Nico Defreitas-Hansen, Jack Evans (Josh Solomon-Davies '70), Josh Askew, Dylan Moonan, Jordan Fagbola ©, Jordan Boon, Harvey Gregson, Sidi Fofana (Ben Rydel '54), Mwiya Malumo, Jordan Scanlon, Nathan Caine (Rio Pemberton '45+1) - Sub (Unused): Jack Buckley Colls Man of the Match, sponsored by Follow Colls Away: Harvey Gregson, sponsored by Momentum Meditation & Training
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
