ATHERTON Collieries start the new season this weekend.

On Saturday Colls host Bacup Borough in the Emirates FA Cup at the newly labelled Kensite Stadium (Alder House), kick off 3pm.

West Didsbury & Chorlton visit for a Hallmark Security Premier Division clash on Monday, kick off 7.45pm.

Colls' pre-season continued unabated with another couple of warm-up games.

Last Monday it was a trip to New Sirs for a 'Derby With No Name' match-up with Daisy Hill.

Debutant Michael Italian took a few minutes to get on the score sheet and Dave Sherlock bagged a couple before the interval.

The first was a thing of beauty when he volleyed a corner home from the edge of the box.

Things were a little calmer after the interval but Mark Truffas wrapped up a 4-0 win late on with a fine solo effort.

Friday saw a visit to Colne in a Hallmark Security League Champions versus Cup Winners curtain raiser.

The hosts had strengthened their squad markedly for a tilt at the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North and had the majority of the play in the first half.

Colls keeper Adam Reid had to be on his mettle to keep the sides level.

Colls were better after the break and created a few openings but did not really test the Colne custodian.

Colne took the lead in the 79th minute when Matt Beadle finished clinically after the initial effort had hit the bar.

Dominic Craig wrapped things up late on. In injury time Colls had Vinny Bailey and Dave Sherlock sent off on injury time. A deserved win for Colne and food for thought for the Colls management.