ATHERTON Collieries top scorer Mark Battersby will lead the line for the club in the Premier Division after manager Michael Clegg confirmed he had signed for another season.

The Colls boss announced the deal ahead their 3-1 win against Cheadle Town in Saturday's final match of the league campaign, after which the players were formally presented with the North West Counties First Division trophy.

And Clegg believes their 62-goal hero, who he signed from Stockport County at the start of the season, played a major part in securing the club's first title in almost 30 years.

"We are already looking forward to next season," said Clegg, after securing a return to the top tier for the first time in six years.

"Mark has been a big reason behind the team's success this year so we are over the moon he has chosen to stay."

Colls 31st victory of the season saw them finish the campaign on 96 points, with a goal difference of +103.

Battersby has rattled in 43 goals in the league, as well as scoring 19 in the cups, helping Colls to the final of three knockout competitions.

They lost their first final last weekend, going down 3-1 to AFC Darwen in the Reusch First Division Cup, and will play Premier Division side Glossop North End at Curzon Ashton in the MEN United League Cup tonight, kick off 7.45pm.

And to finish off a glittering campaign, Colls will play at Bolton Wanderers' Macron Stadium in the Hospital Cup.

Atherton LR take on West Lancs League side Turton tonight for a chance to join their neighbours in the final after Colls beat Hindsford 3-0 in the last four.