A late goal from Captain Fantastic Danny Lafferty gave the black n white stripes a vital point at Cantilever Park. Colls hadn't visited Warrington Town's manor for over fifteen years and did so in good spirits as they looked to continue their good league form. The Yellows were looking to get their campaign back on track after a spate of draws had becalmed their progress somewhat.
The first half was an even affair with the teams taking it in turns to mount attacks which lacked penetration. All the forwards on show were willing but their defenders were also in their game. Town did lead at half time through Ben Garritty's 29th minute effort. His hopeful cross deceived Paddy Wharton and ended up in the onion bag via the far post. Fortuitous definitely but they all count.
The home team increased their tempo after the break and the lively debutant Jordan Buckley forced a fine save out of Wharton with the follow up attempted hitting the outside of the post. Buckley intercepted an under hit defensive pass and ghosted past his erstwhile FC United colleague Wharton. Somehow he dragged his intended pass into the open net wide.
Colls were lucky to trail by just one and punished their opponents for their wastefulness. A long Gareth Peet throw in caused chaos in the penalty box which enabled Danny Lafferty to arrow his header home assisted by the woodwork. The bumper away following behind the goal certainly celebrated the textbook finish. Tom Bentham almost won it but his close range effort was thwarted by a fine reflex save from the Town keeper.
A very, very good point away at last season's Super Play-Off finalists. Of course luck was rode in the second half but at the death maximum points could have been snatched. Atherton Collieries: Paddy Wharton, Clive Smith, Gareth Peet, Danny Lambert (Iwan Murray 60'), Danny Lafferty (C), Niall Battersby, Ben Conway, Vinny Bailey (Kris Holt 73'), Tom Bentham, Louis Myers & Danny O'Brien (Cain Noble 60'). Substitutes (not used): Dave Sherlock, John Welsh Rama Spice Man of the Match: Louis Myers Attendance: 507
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.
