GOAL star Mark Battersby took his total for the season to 41 with a hat-trick as Atherton Collieries stayed top of the North West Counties League First Division with a 3-1 win at Eccleshall on Saturday.
High-flying Collieries, who had won their previous three games 5-0, were made to fight all the way by the talented Staffordshire side and the outcome was in doubt until the final minute when Battersby chipped home keeper Brandon McEleny to score his third.
Michael Clegg’s title favourites were a goal down after 10 minutes when Steve Hughes put Eccleshall in front. But they were back on terms within 10 minutes when Kris Holt laid on the chance for Battersby to chip McEleny for the equaliser.
Ben Hardcastle was the provider for Battersby’s second on 58 minutes but Colls’ lead looked a fragile one when Eccleshall danger man Angelo Enrico fired wide when an equaliser looked on the cards.
Battersby’s third sealed it for the Alder House men who, with rivals Cammell Laird winning 2-1 at Ashton Town, remain two points clear of the Birkenhead side and still with two games in hand.
Atherton LR’s home game against Oldham Borough was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
On Saturday Colls are at home to Chadderton. LR have no fixture.
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