IN another three-game week Colls used squad rotation to the maximum and kept up their stellar form to garner seven points from the nine on the table.

Prescot Cables made their first visit to the Kensite Stadium since 2004 with their place already booked in the play-offs but they were up against it in the first half. Michael Clegg's team played some really good football and led through a 16th minute Ben Hardcastle penalty after Liam O'Neill had been impeded. Perhaps the advantage should have been more than one goal at the interval. Cables showed their class in the second stanza but resolute defending mixed in with the odd dab of good fortune enabled the black n white stripes triumph by the narrowest margin.

Old rivals Ramsbottom United were in town for Colls' final home game of the campaign. Jonathan Hurst opened the scoring for the hosts on the cusp of half time with a close range header and repeated the feat within minutes of the restart to double the advantage.

Rammy didn't give up though and Sam Madeley soon reduced the arrears following slack defensive play. He then restored parity with five minutes left on the clock. Just a minute later United's joy turned to despair when Gareth Peet smashed home a trademark free kick to give Colls a odd goal in five victory.

The inaugural Evo-Stik Division 1 North campaign wrapped up at Bamber Bridge who were already guaranteed a home game in the play offs.

Brig started proceedings in control of the possession but Colls soon warmed to the task in hand. Hardcastle shot hit a bar and the rebound wouldn't sit properly for O'Neill and his close range follow up cleared the bar. Late in the half Adam Farrell got a pearler from the edge of the box to give Colls the lead their play had deserved.

Following a half time tongue lashing Brig returned a different proposition but struggled to breakdown a strong defence. Long distance chances were created but didn't really trouble Greg Hartley's goal.

Sub Jordan Cover has only been on the pitch a matter of minutes before he was dismissed for alleged use of the elbow. The pressure increased and Brig hit the equaliser with a minute of normal time remaining from the penalty spot.

There was still time for Colls to be reduced to nine men when Josh Messer received a second caution. All in all a good point against a team who finished as top seeds for the play-offs.

A great run in 2018 enabled Colls to cement 10th in the table just four points off a play-off place.

On Wednesday Colls have a chance to put their name up in Lights when they play Coalville Town from Leicestershire in the 50th anniversary Integro Sport (NPL) League Cup. This game will be played at Alfreton Town FC.