ATHERTON Collieries progressed to the FA Cup third qualifying round for the first time in 27 years after a dramatic 3-1 win against Witton Albion.

Fans were treated to a thrilling FA Cup spectacle at the Skuna Stadium, sealed by a last gasp Ben Conway goal in what was a closely-fought contest.

The home side were 2-0 up at the interval, thanks to a penalty from skipper Danny Lafferty and a beauty of a free-kick from defender Gaz Peet.

Albion were unlucky not to score in the first half, Rob Hopley seeing a goal chalked out for offside and Tom Owens rattling the woodwork. Marcus Cusani also clipped the bar for the hosts before the break.

The game was far from done though, Albion’s Hopley bundling the ball home shortly after the break to put his side back in the game. What followed was a tense battle, with both teams desperate to progress.

Elliot Rokka and Marcus Cusani both remarkably hit the bar again for the hosts, chalking up a hat-trick of missed opportunities for the Colls. The crossbar at the bottom end was working overtime.

With Witton pushing for a late equaliser, goalkeeper Greg Hall found himself with the ball at his feet in the opposition area. A hard tackle came in from Joel Amado and despite strong protests, the referee waved away the penalty appeals.

All that was left to do was for Colls’ Ben Conway to sprint the length of the pitch and slot into the empty net, sending Colls into the third qualifying round for the first time in 27 years – only the second time in history the club has achieved this feat.

Brad Cooke joins duo Steve Walton and Ian Lamb as managerial alumni to guide the club to such heights. Dare to dream!

On Saturday Colls visit Stafford Rangers. Next Tuesday Michael Clegg’s Ashton United travel to the Skuna Stadium. Ko 7.45pm.