Atherton Collieries 4 Ladybridge 0

ATHERTON Collieries continued their fine goalscoring form to reach the Bolton Hospitals Cup final with a comfortable win over Ladybridge.

Goals from Jonathan Hurst and Mark Truffas set them on their way before two goals from Jordan Cover, who now has five in his last two games, sealed a place in the final.

They will now face Prestwich Hays for the trophy at the Macron Stadium, home of Bolton Wanderers, on Monday May 9.

Both sides started with purpose but it was the hosts who struck first after a rapid counter-attack from a Ladybridge free-kick.

The ball was worked upfield and Truffas’ through-ball was well dummied by Cover, allowing Hurst to lob the keeper for only his second goal for Colls.

This clearly settled the hosts and it wasn’t long before the lead was doubled as Hurst produced a pinpoint pass to find Truffas just outside the area, and he duly stroked the ball into the corner.

The visitors could perhaps feel hard done by to be 2-0 down but they were the architects of their own downfall for the third goal just before half-time/ A poor defensive pass was intercepted by Justin Pickering and he unselfishly squared the ball to Cover, who finished clinically to put Colls firmly in command.

The home side’s superior fitness began to show in the second half and they soon added a fourth when full-back Chris Pauley’s quick throw-in caught the visitors off guard and Cover finished with ease.

Colls boss Michael Clegg was able to give youngsters Sulley Ahmed and Dominic Butler, before Gareth Peet was able to return for a few minutes following his recent injury.

Colls are back in league action this coming weekend as West Didsbury & Chorlton visit Alder House, kick off 3pm.