ATHERTON Collieries’ much postponed FA Vase tie at Newton Aycliffe finally went ahead at the sixth time of asking - but a goal eight minutes into the second half ended their hopes of progress in the competition.

In a game switched to the artificial surface at New Ferens Park in Durham to beat the inclement weather in the North East, Colls competed well throughout, but failed to break down a resolute Newton Aycliffe side who were reduced to ten men for the last 17 minutes.

A lively first half saw both sides create chances, with Mark Truffas going close for Colls with a near post free kick on 10 minutes.

Four minutes later at the other end, Colls keeper Danny Taberner had to make a smart save at the far post after conceding possession from a clearance, during a spell of pressure from Newton Aycliffe.

As the game approached the midway point of the first half, play continued to swing from end to end, with a Gaz Peet shot across the face of goal almost being turned in by a defender, and a Mark Battersby effort that flew well over from outside of area the best of the efforts from Colls.

Mark Battersby and Brad Cooke were then both booked in the space of three minutes for challenges that the referee ruled as being over-zealous, and Colls continued to create chances, with Jordan Cover denied the chance to finish a one-on-one by a linesman’s flag, before a Brad Cooke effort flew inches wide in first half stoppage time after a fine build up.

Colls then created the first chance of the second half when Mark Truffas tested the keeper from the edge or the area, but it was Newton Aycliffe who made what proved to be a decisive breakthrough on 54 minutes.

Disappointingly, the goal was created after a Colls free kick up at the other end was charged down, and following a swift counter attack, Stuart Banks fired Newton Aycliffe ahead.

Colls hit back, and on the hour, after a Mark Battersby effort from tight angle was parried by Newton Aycliffe keeper James Winter, the ball fell to Brad Cooke on the edge of the box but his shot was well saved by the keeper down to his right.

With 17 minutes remaining, Newton Aycliffe were reduced to ten men, after one of their defenders was given a straight red for what appeared to be an incident off the ball, but Colls failed to press home their one man advantage despite introducing Kris Holt, Jordan Jones and Matt Grimshaw as substitutes to freshen up the attack.

A Jacob Jones shot well saved at the near post by Newton Aycliffe keeper Winter was the best Colls could produce to trouble the Northern League side, who saw the game out safely to progress through to the next round and a tie with fellow Northern Leaguers Marske United.

Atherton Collieries manager Michael Clegg said: “We were really unlucky tonight, 0-0 would have been a fair result, but I’m proud of the lads’ efforts."

Saturday’s game at Bootle was postponed due to a frozen pitch. Next Saturday it’s a league fixture at Congleton Town Ko 3pm.