ATHERTON Collieries boss Michael Clegg has been impressed with their form during pre-season despite a --- defeat to Evo-Stik Premier Division outfit Salford City.

Last week, the Alder House men had their scoring boots on in a 10-0 victory over West Lancashire League Division One side Tempest United to edge one step closer to retaining the Hospital Cup trophy.

Clegg's side have recorded some positive results during pre-season including a 6-1 win against Stockport, 7-1 victory over Coppull United along with a 1-1 draw with a Bolton Wanderers Development side.

He said: "Things have been going really well.

"We have retained all of the squad from last season and added Matt Cross who captained Runcorn Linnets for three seasons in the North West Counties Premier Division, which we will be in next year.

"Then James Kirby has also joined. He is ex-Salford player and was with Glossop next year even though he is 19.

"Our preparations for the new season are good. We have scored 30 goals and played some attractive and attacking football.

"The Tempest match was a good game as they thought if they would get us on back foot and take the game to us.

"They possibly came with the gameplan to bully us but we played with a high intensity and we went 2-0 up and took it from there."

Defeating Tempest earned them a derby with Atherton LR in the next round.

Clegg said: "It is a great football occasion for the people of Atherton and we get 3-400 people down and it sets the pulses racing."