ATHERTON Collieries encounter at Padiham was always going to be a close and exciting affair.

Going into the game both sides boasted fine runs of form, and manager Michael Clegg knew his lads would have had to be on top form to get anything out of the 90 minutes.

The game plan set out by the management team however worked splendidly as the Colls ran out convincing 3-1 winners, registering one of the finest results so far this season.

Throughout the opening period of the game Atherton were in control, and after Ben Hardcastle curled an effort wide, they took advantage of this to take an early lead. Mark Battersby drilled a fine ball across to advanced right-back Jake Kenny who fired a low, hard shot past Maxwell Povey in the Padiham goal.

The second half allowed the Collieries to cement their lead, however at first they had to ride out early pressure from the hosts, though Reid was alert to everything Padiham had to offer.

On 70 minutes the Colls got their second. From an Dave a Sherlock in swinging corner, inside of a packed box, Jamie Forbes tapped home at the far post. A good finish from Forbes, under pressure from his marker, queue delirious celebrations from the Atherton faithful.

Things were not all plain sailing however, Padiham made Atherton sweat on 88 minutes.

Chaos unfolded within the Colls’ area. Dominic Craig took advantage of this and poked an effort towards goal. Reid was unable to prevent the ball tumbling over the line. A scrappy goal, but one that counted nonetheless.

Under pressure, the Collieries needed to avoid any self-enforced pressure.

A long punt up field from the Colls’ back four, not only removed any pressure from themselves, but also resulted in a penalty.

With only seconds of the game left, the ball was headed onto Mason who subsequently hit terra firma. Jordan Cover stepped up to take the responsibility, initially he saw his rather tame effort saved, Povey guessing correctly but only able to parry straight back at Cover who composed himself and tapped home to secure the three points.

On Saturday Colls visit Shildon FC from County Durham in the 4th Round of the Buildbase FA Vase. It’s the first time the club has reached the last 32 stage of the Vase.