By Liam Price
The Dabbers kick off a busy February with a home game against Atherton Collieries on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
A Word from the Manager
Luke Goddard has spoken ahead of this double header at the Swansway, first with Atherton then Crewe Alex in the Cheshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night, saying:
”It’s been an excellent January but we must push again starting this weekend to kick start February. With two huge games at the Swansway upcoming we need all the support we can get, let’s build that atmosphere and enjoy the momentum we can build over the coming weeks.
Spread the word, get your Dabbers merchandise worn, make some noise and let’s keep pushing to bring on back the good times over the coming weeks, months and years but importantly we do it together. Up the Dabbers.”
One Battle After An-Ather
It had been a tough start to 2026 for Atherton. While the Dabbers didn’t lose in January, Atherton didn’t win until last weekend when they beat Witton 2-1 at home, their first win since Boxing Day.
That was also a first win for new Colls manager Daniel Lafferty, who took over at the turn of the year following Michael Clegg’s departure for what were described as ‘work and family reasons’. He has since taken the manager’s job at Hyde United.
Lafferty is a club legend at Atherton, having played over 300 times for them across 3 spells, so although it’s his first managerial role there can’t be many that know the club better than him.
Clegg leaving Atherton at almost exactly the same time Jon Moran left the Dabbers is one of a few close similarities between the two teams’ seasons. We were both knocked out of the FA Trophy at the same place (Silsden away). And before kick off, we are both on 12 wins and 4 draws, so both locked together on 40 points in 10th and 11th in the NPL West. Atherton have a slightly worse goal difference and have played a game more.
Atherton have only won 1 of their last 8 away games, which was at Stafford at the start of December.
Last Time We Met
In what feels like about 3 years ago but was only in October, Clegg’s Atherton beat Moran’s Dabbers 2-0, despite a second half onslaught from the Dabbers that somehow didn’t bear any fruit. Highlights below.
Players to Watch
Lafferty has been busy in the transfer market since taking charge, bringing in 5 players in the last month. Forward Andrew Buah is the latest, on loan from Connah’s Quay Nomads, along with Sam Olawumi, Luke Partington, David Mayamona and Matt Corran.
Recent goalscorers to look out for are Harry Showman and Kielen Adams.
Match Information
Please be careful with parking and avoid parking on the road that leads into the housing estate next to the stadium as it causes bad traffic issues. This is especially important at the moment as some new traffic lights are being installed in the Kingsbourne estate.
Tickets are available online HERE or on the gate with cash or card.
Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a lead.