ATHERTON Collieries moved up to seventh place in the North West Counties League Premier Division following back-to-back wins against strugglers Squires Gate and Alsager Town.
Colls coasted to a 5-2 victory at home to Squires Gate on Monday night with thanks to a brace by Ben Hardcastle and efforts from Callum Jones, Mark Truffas and Jacob Jones.
That followed a 4-2 victory over bottom club Alsager on Saturday, but were made to work for their win after initially sailing into a 3-0 lead.
Hardcastle set them on their way with a first-half hat-trick before the basement side caused a few nerves with two goals on 50 and 59 minutes.
But Jonathan Hurst sealed the three points seven minutes from time.
Colls put their league programme to one side tomorrow when they host Litherland REMYCA in the second round of the Men United Cup.
There is no respite from the league for Atherton LR, however, who host Northwich Manchester Villa desperately seeking a win after taking just one point from their last four game in the NWCL First Division.
LR suffered a 3-1 home defeat to fourth-placed Hanley Town last Saturday.
Moses Yoak's 52nd-minute goal raised brief hopes of a potential comeback with LR having gone in at the break 3-0 down, but it wasn't to be.
Other results
FBT Manchester League Premier Division: Atherton Town 4 Royton Town 1, Hindsford 2 Avro 3. Division One: East Manchester 6 Pennington 2, Leigh Athletic 4 Chadderton Res 4.
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