THE decision to switch Atherton Collieries’ FA Vase showdown with neighbours Atherton LR to a Friday night paid dividends as almost 430 fans turned out to watch the second qualifying round tie.

Colls manager Michael Clegg said he was “humbled” by the bumper attendance and overjoyed by the response of his players, who progressed to the next round with a 6-2 win.

Ben Hardcastle and Matty Boland both scored twice in what turned out to be a regulation victory for the North West Counties Premier Division outfit.

Their polished performance set up a home tie against Northern League side Newcastle Benfield in the first round proper of the national amateur competition.

And Clegg hopes some of the "new fans" who made their first visit of the season to Alder House will return for a second helping.

“We are under no illusions that the majority of the fans in the crowd last Friday night will normally go watching Bolton Wanderers or Manchester United on a Saturday,” said Clegg.

“That is why we decided to switch the tie and hopefully those watching us for the first time liked what they saw.

“I think many of them will have been pleasantly surprised by the standard of the football and hopefully they will consider coming back.”

The average home gate has doubled since Clegg took over as manager at the club three seasons ago, in which time he has guided them to promotion from the NWCL First Division.

And the Colls boss believes his policy of promoting young talent through the ranks has helped pique local interest.

“I think the gate at my first home game was 58 and the average attendance last season was around 160, so the crowds are improving,” he added.

“It helps having a good crop of local lads in the team to get local people behind us, but that is the kind of atmosphere we have created here.

“There is a real family atmosphere and the players really respect the fans.

“We take 60 or 70 supporters to every away game now, and I know, for example, that people like my uncle and his mates, who had a season ticket at United for 20 years, are coming to watch Colls because they enjoy it so much.”

Hardcastle opened the scoring for Colls on 26 minutes but Jonathan Green levelled with a piledriver a few minutes later.

A Boland double before half time put the home side back in control.

And a further three goals from Matt Grimshaw, Jordan Cover and Hardcastle in the final 15 minutes sealed the victory before Ben Hyde got a deserved consolation for LR at the death.

“LR put men behind the ball and made it really difficult for us,” said Clegg.

“When Green equalised for them with a worldie I was a bit concerned but it was easy for us to pick them off once we got back in front and I thought we were comfortable after that.

“I think LR are in good hands, though, with the Jones brothers (managers Adam and Craig).

“They are a few years behind us, but they have the right people in charge to take them forward.”

Colls return to league action this week, travelling to Cammell Laird tonight before visiting Winsford United on Saturday, while LR are in NWCL First Division action at home to Cheadle Town at the weekend.

Other results

Manchester League Premier Division: Atherton Town 0 Walshaw Sports 0, Hindsford 1 Dukinfield Town 0. Division One: Leigh Athletic 7 Hollinwood 2, Westbury Sports Club 0 Pennington 0.