ATHERTON Collieries rattled Skelmersdale United 9-1.

Yet to win a game this season, Skelmersdale started the game well as they took the lead with a Paul Ennis goal with just six minutes on the clock.

Knowing something wasn’t quite working Clegg made a change, swapping Ben Conway and Connor Gaul around on the wings.

This worked, and suddenly the Collieries were again attacking with real prowess.

On 24 minutes, the Colls got their equaliser when Player of the Month Ben Hardcastle, who has become somewhat of a poacher of late, smashed the ball into the back of the net.

This really did bolster the confidence of Clegg’s men, and they began to play simply unstoppable football. Captain Vinny Bailey came close to doubling the advantage four minutes later. Conway, now on the left wing, played a defence splitting ball through to Bailey who collected and advanced towards goal. The experienced midfielder’s shot was blocked by Goalkeeper Terence Smith though, the angle too tight.

A corner on 29 minutes saw Atherton get that second with Ian Rowlands heading into the back of the net.

A header with such power left the Blues without a chance.

The Collieries really were playing some fine, attacking football – the best seen all season. Having Cover lead the front line again really did help this, his pace allowed the midfield to be creative with their delivery. Something they did on 38 minutes. Hardcastle turned from goal-scorer to provider as he played a forward curled ball that completely evaded the United back line. Cover did what he does best and latched onto it before he slotted past Smith. A brilliant ball from Hardcastle, and skilled execution from Cover.

Cover got his second of the game but, rather more importantly, his 100th in a black and white shirt.

The second period of the game saw goals from Rowlands, Cover’s third, two penalties and a goal from Hardcastle ­— four in total for that player.

On Saturday Colls play Ramsbottom United or Kidsgrove Athletic in the First Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup.