Five star Atherton Collieries survived an early scare away to North West Counties League Division One outfit Nelson, overcoming the concession of a second minute opener to eventually booking their spot in the next round of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy with a 5-1 victory. Having taken a hiatus from the Lancashire Junior Trophy in 2016/17, last season saw Colls fall at the first hurdle of this competition in a home tie against league rivals Bamber Bridge, but there was no such problem against Nelson, despite their early opener. Last weekend saw Colls run out victors by the odd goal in five against old adversaries Runcorn Linnets at the Skuna Stadium, taking Micheal Clegg’s side up to third spot in the Evo-Stik League Division One West, while hosts Nelson, sixteenth placed in North West Counties League Division One, scored a late equaliser to claim a 2-2 draw with Chadderton. On a clear night at Little Wembley, a shock might have looked on the cards after a little over a minute of action, a right sided cross finding Nathan Webb at the back post to nudge past Dale Latham. Luke Giverin brought Colls level on 16 minutes, however, with the midfielder on hand to sweep the ball home after the Nelson goalkeeper had parried away Vinny Bailey’s low strike, and from that point onwards Colls looked in little danger of elimination, though the sides did remain level at the break with only a Jordan Cover attempt against the woodwork to show for the visitors’ effort. The second half began in similar style with smart build up play culminating in Bailey threading a ball out wide for Conor Gaul to pull the ball back for Farrell but his shot was smartly saved on 56 minutes. A second goal had long been on the cards for Colls and it duly arrived on the hour mark when Giverin played in Cover to finish under the goalkeeper. Less than a minute later and Cover had scored his second of the evening, drilling Farrell’s lay off home from the edge of the box. Vinny Bailey lashed in a third goal in four minutes as Colls started to run away with the tie, with Cover, Farrell and Sigsworth all missing further chances before Farrell hammered in a fifth Colls goal on 88 minutes. Colls are back in knock-out action this Saturday (29th September) when Runcorn Linnets return to the Skuna Stadium for a 3pm FA Trophy tie, only a week after they were defeated 3-2 in the Evo-Stik League Division One West before Micheal Clegg's travel down the M6 to take on Chasetown the following Tuesday (2nd October, 7.45pm kick off). Atherton Collieries: Dale Latham, Callum Spooner, Josh Messer, Dave Sherlock (Glenn Matthews 79’), Matt Grimshaw, Vinny Bailey (Ben Conway 79’), Conor Gaul, Luke Giverin (Ben Hardcastle 75’), Jordan Cover, Adam Farrell, James Sigsworth. Goals(s): Luke Giverin (16’), Jordan Cover (60’, 61’), Vinny Bailey (63’), Adam Farrell (88’) Man of the match: James Sigsworth Attendance: 68
Match report: Matt Lawton
Photograph: David Featherstone
Report: Colls 1-2 Bacup
December 6, 2023
A delightful Dylan Moonan goal ultimately proved to be in vain as Atherton Collieries were beaten 2-1 by Bacup Borough in the Lancashire FA Trophy.
