ATHERTON Collieries lost out to Mickleover 2-1 in a rather low-key affair at the Skuna Stadium.

Chances were hard to come by in the first half, Marcus Cusani going close for the hosts and Luke Hutchinson making a good save from a Mickleover attack. Both defences were well and truly on top as their attacking colleagues struggled to break through.

The fare could only improve after the breather and it did significantly. It was Sports who seized the advantage on the hour mark, Andy Dales evading unscathed from some tepid defending and firing a speculative effort which got the better of Luke Hutchinson in the Colls goal.

In their search for a response, Colls created a couple of good openings. Danny Lambert and Matty Gillam both found themselves denied in the penalty box. However, the back ‘n’ white stripes got their reward with ten minutes left on the clock when full back Gareth Peet was tripped in the box, the referee pointing straight to the spot. Gillam tucked the penalty home with confidence to level the scores. Peet then was thwarted by a canny close range save from the visiting gloves man, Callum Hawkins.

With it headed for deadlock, Mickleover struck at the death. Wily ex pro Stuart Beavon took a chance well at the near post to send the away side into jubilation as they celebrated their first away win of the season.

A disappointing result for Brad Cooke’s team. They now get a well-deserved midweek off before returning to Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division action next Saturday. Gainsborough Trinity being the destination, 15:00 kick off.