ATHERTON Collieries need just four points from their remaining 10 league games to secure promotion to the North West Counties Premier Division following a 4-1 victory against AFC Darwen on Monday night.

A second-half hat-trick from Mark Battersby, which included two penalties, and a stoppage-time fourth goal from Gareth Peet secured a 24th win in 26 league games for Michael Clegg’s side.

Results elsewhere at the weekend had helped Colls’ promotion charge after their match at Daisy Hill on Friday night was postponed.

They now have a 24-point advantage over third-placed Hanley Town, with the top two earning promotion, and are one point behind leaders Cammell Laird with four games in hand.

Colls will be putting their league concerns to one side on Saturday as they host Runcorn Town in the semi-final of the Men United Cup.

It is the first time in 13 years that the Division One side have made it to this stage of what is the league’s main cup competition. The winners will play either Glossop or Bootle.