By Liam Price
After Tuesday’s game fell victim to the snow and ice, we’ll try again at the Swansway on Saturday (3pm kick-off) with much milder (but wetter) weather forecast against Atherton Collieries.
An-Ather Day in Paradise
It’s taken a while, but manager Michael Clegg has seemingly got the Colls firing now. Returning in August to the club where he previously gained 3 promotions in 5 seasons after a good spell at Macclesfield and many others, Atherton have won 3 in a row and 4 of their last 5 games, making them one of the form teams in the NPL West, despite currently being in 16th.
The results have been eye-catching, especially a goalless draw with league leaders Widnes, an away win at Hednesford and a win at Trafford on Tuesday night in one of the games that escaped the weather. They’ve won 4 of their last 5 away games too, and all of their last 3.
The remnants of a slow start remain, however. With 16 goals in 17 games, they are the second lowest scorers in the division. They failed to score in their first 5 games of the season (all before Clegg came in).
Last Time We Met
We go back 2 seasons for the last game between the 2, a 2-1 win for the Dabbers in February 2023. After going behind early, a Dan Cockerline tap-in levelled the scores before the game hinged on an Atherton red card for a terrible challenge on Tom Booth. Troy Bourne’s header inside the last 10 minutes secured a crucial win for Ritchie Sutton’s side. Highlights below.
Players to Watch
The form man is Keilen Adams, with 4 goals in his last 4 games propelling him to the top of their scoring charts. Alfie Belcher and Tom Bentham have also been in the goals recently.
Danny Lafferty was sent off late on on Tuesday night but due to the processing time of red card bans may be able to play in this one.
Match Information
Tickets for this one are available online HERE or with cash/card on the gate. Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a lead.
Please use the available parking around the stadium, including the overflow car park. If you have to park on-street nearby, please be respectful of residents.
Finally, our annual NTISA Christmas Hamper draw is coming along nicely, but we are still looking for some donations. Please see below for what they are still after, and if you’re able to bring anything then please leave it at the 50/50 draw hut on Saturday. Thank you.
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Biscuits – Packet of Gingernut Biscuits
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Biscuits – Packet of Gingernut Biscuits
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Biscuits – Packet of Gingernut Biscuits
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Dessert – Christmas Pudding
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Dessert – Christmas Pudding
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Dessert – Christmas Pudding
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Dessert – Instant Custard Satchet
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Dessert – Instant Custard Satchet
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Dessert – Instant Custard Satchet
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Dessert – Instant Custard Satchet
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Dessert – Tin of Carnation Evaporated Milk
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Dessert – Tin of Carnation Evaporated Milk
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Dessert – Tin of Carnation Evaporated Milk
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Dessert – Tin of Rice Pudding
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Dessert – Tin of Rice Pudding
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Dessert – Tin of Rice Pudding
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Fruit & Veg – Jar of Olives
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Fruit & Veg – Jar of Olives
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Fruit & Veg – Jar of Olives
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Fruit & Veg – Jar of Olives
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Fruit & Veg – Jar of Pickled Onions
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Fruit & Veg – Jar of Pickled Onions
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Fruit & Veg – Tin of Mushy Peas
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Fruit & Veg – Tin of Mushy Peas
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Grain – Mini Box of Cornflakes
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Grain – Mini Box of Cornflakes
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Grain – Mini Box of Cornflakes
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Grain – Mini Box of Cornflakes
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Grain – Packet of Pasta
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Grain – Packet of Pasta
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Grain – Packet of Pasta
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Grain – Packet of Pasta
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Meat & Fish – Tin of Gammon Ham
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Meat & Fish – Tin of Gammon Ham
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Meat & Fish – Tin of Mackerel
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Meat & Fish – Tin of Mackerel
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Meat & Fish – Tin of Mackerel
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Meat & Fish – Tin of Mackerel
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Meat & Fish – Tin of Red Salmon
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Meat & Fish – Tin of Red Salmon
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Meat & Fish – Tin of Red Salmon
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Sauce – Packet of Sage & Onion Stuffing
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Sauce – Packet of Sage & Onion Stuffing
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Sauce – Packet of Sage & Onion Stuffing
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Sauce – Packet of Sage & Onion Stuffing
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Snacks – Packet of Pork Scratchings
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Snacks – Packet of Pork Scratchings
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Snacks – Packet of Pork Scratchings
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Snacks – Packet of Pork Scratchings
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Snacks – Roasted Dry Peanuts
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Snacks – Roasted Dry Peanuts
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Snacks – Roasted Salted Peanuts
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Snacks – Roasted Salted Peanuts
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Soup – Chicken
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Soup – Chicken
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Soup – Tomato
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Soup – Tomato
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Soup – Vegetable
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Soup – Vegetable
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Sweets & Chocolate – Chocolate Fingers
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Sweets & Chocolate – Chocolate Fingers
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Sweets & Chocolate – Chocolate Fingers
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Sweets & Chocolate – Shortcake Chocolate Rounds
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Sweets & Chocolate – Shortcake Chocolate Rounds
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Sweets & Chocolate – Shortcake Chocolate Rounds
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Sweets & Chocolate – Shortcake Chocolate Rounds
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Sweets & Chocolate – Toblerone
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Sweets & Chocolate – Toblerone
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Sweets & Chocolate – Toblerone
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Sweets & Chocolate – Toblerone
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Sweets & Chocolate – Turkish Delights
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Sweets & Chocolate – Turkish Delights
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Tea & Coffee – Jar of Coffee
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Tea & Coffee – Jar of Coffee
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Tea & Coffee – Jar of Coffee
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Tea & Coffee – Jar of Coffee
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Tea & Coffee – Jar of Hot Chocolate
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Tea & Coffee – Jar of Hot Chocolate
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Tea & Coffee – Jar of Hot Chocolate
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Tea & Coffee – Jar of Hot Chocolate
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