Atherton Colls U18’s win at Nantwich Town
Atherton Collieries Under 18’s travelled to Nantwich Town in North West Youth Alliance Division 1 on Sunday Afternoon.
Of course with a job in hand to complete against a side level on points with themselves, but also with the aim of redeeming the previous weeks result at home against Chorley.
Colls started the better, imposing themselves on the home side early on with early chances for the Black and Whites.
As Nantwich tried to stamp home authority, the young stripes started to move the ball around with real intent, the midfield, breaking lines into Cole Howlett and also causing problems for the hosts in wide areas through Harry Barrow and Rio Sutherland.
It wasn’t long before Colls struck, great play through the thirds and a wonderful pass through the last line to Howlett, who calmly opened his body up and slotted it, left footed past the Northwich goalkeeper.
Having been presented with a half chance moments before Rio Sutherland was presented with another in the central channel after a Northwich player slackly gave away possession, Sutherland latched on to it, composed himself, rounded the goalkeeper and popped it home from 20 yards, to put Colls in consummate control.
Cole Howlett grabbed his second of the game after a lovely passing move out to the right hand side, resulting in Declan Metcalfe driving into the right channel and forcing the keeper to make a save, however parrying back into the path of Howlett, who composed himself, struck the ball well and under the goalkeeper, the ball trickling over the line to rub salt into Northwich wounds.
The second half was a mixed bag with Colls struggling to really find rhythm, having how to make enforced changes through absence and injury.
Nantwich had their moments, and were well worthy of their singular Goal, a good move down the right hand side resulting in a shot just inside the box, which they finished at the second time of asking.
Colls had two endure a wave of Nantwich attacks and dig in, and that they did, showing grit, determination and a work rate that makes this team, what it is.
Overall on the balance of play Colls where deserved winners, scoring three very well worked goals and creating numerous other chances.
A fantastic response to the previous week and vs the side that were level on points with them prior to the fixture.
A Massive Win in Division 1.
HT 0-3
FT 1-3
Man of The Match – Cole Howlett
Cole took both of his goals very well, was clinical, and concentrated for the duration of the game. Playing up front can sometimes be a lonely place, but Cole was focused on the job in hand, linking well and providing a real focal point for the team.
