Update

Despite only playing three games throughout December, off the field it has been a very busy month for the Collieries. Games against Newton Aycliffe (X3) in the FA Vase, Bacup Borough in the MEN United Cup and Abbey Hey in the league all succumbed to the poor weather conditions witnessed over the Christmas Period. The Newton Aycliffe game (away) has been rearranged for Tuesday 5th January, the Bacup Borough game (away) has been arranged for Wednesday 13th January, the game away at Abbey Hey is yet to be scheduled. Two other postponed away trips from earlier in the season have also been pencilled in, we will now make the journey to AFC Blackpool on Tuesday 2nd February and the short trip to AFC Darwen will now go ahead on Wednesday 10th February. The coach details have been released for our game away at Newton Aycliffe. Attempt number four sees the coach leave at 14:30 (from Alder House) on Tuesday 5th January with a return coast of just £15. If you would like to book yourself onto the coach then please contact the club either on Facebook or Twitter (@ACFC1916). Alternatively, speak to an official at tomorrow’s game at home against Ashton Athletic. Goalkeeper Paul Hughes has also been signed by the Colls from West Didsbury and Chorlton. Hughes impressed in the opening game of the season against West, a game in which Atherton won 2-1 thanks to two late Nathan Battersby goals. A reminder that the Club’s 2016 Calendars are still available to buy, £5.50 is the price and they will be available at tomorrow’s home game with all profits going to Zach’s Tanzania fund. Also, at tomorrow’s game we will be holding a bucket collection to raise money for Tadcaster Albion of the NCEL. The whole town of Tadcaster has been hit by the recent flooding, the Football Club included. Zach’s Tanzania fundraising is going unbelievably well – a total of £479.41 has been raised so far with £210.58 of that being raised at Atherton Collieries, Zach’s getting closer and closer to the £1,500 needed – thank you for your support! As mentioned earlier, tomorrow we welcome neighbours Ashton Athletic to Alder House to open what is a very important year for the Football Club. As always your support will be appreciated. Everyone at the Club hopes you had a very good Christmas and we wish everyone well in the New Year!