Colls make amends for defeat (From Leigh Journal)

Colls make amends for defeat

5:27pm Thursday 30th September 2010 in More Sport

Holker Old Boys 1 Atherton Collieries 3

COLLS travelled to Holker Old Boys on exactly the same weekend as last season, aiming to avenge their 2-0 defeat and stay top of North West Counties Football League Division One.

This time, the opening half proved largely uneventful but a rare goal-scoring opportunity came about thanks to a good advantage played by the referee.

Colls were quick to pass the ball around and Paul Atherton completed the move superbly as he fired the visitors in front.

The second half was a total contrast.

Within two minutes of the restart, Gareth Peet handled in the penalty area for a home penalty.

Josh Harris made a fine save and the defenders were quick to clear the danger.

The home side did draw level within two minutes, though.

Michael Kewley’s cross-shot was not cleared and the ball somehow found its way beyond Harris.

Despite the home side's pressure at that stage, they were made to pay for not taking the lead.

An Andy Walker free kick was superbly headed home by Steve Rothwell to put Colls back in front in the 60th minute.

Then Paul Hynes' wonderful cross-field ball was met by Paul Atherton, who scored his 10th league goal of the season in the 82nd minute.

Atherton was denied a hat-trick when he scuffed a penalty shot wide with three minutes remaining.

* Colls welcome Abbey Hey to Alder House on Saturday.