Atherton Collieries 3
Nantwich Town 1
League (NPL Premier Division)

Match Report

Nantwich Town suffered their first loss of the season as they went down 3-1 away at plucky Atherton Collieries side at the Skuna Stadium.

Vincent Bailey scored twice, including a stunner, as the hosts won all three points. Bailey’s quick double put the Colls in front after 25 minutes, and they looked to be in cruise control towards the end of the first 45 minutes.

But James Lawrie’s goal on the stroke of half-time gave Nantwich a lifeline going into the interval.

A barrage of Nantwich attacks in the second half were well-defended by Atherton.

Then Oli Roberts finished the job in stoppage time with a breakaway goal as Nantwich piled on pressure for the leveller.

Nantwich’s first real opportunity of the afternoon came in the 10th minute. A free-kick from Joe Davis dipped into the area but was collected well by Atherton stopper Christopher Cheetham.

Cheetham could have been at fault for a Nantwich opener, as he rushed out wide to grab at a cross, but Matt Bell was unable to find the empty net.

It was Atherton who opened the scoring against the run of play.

Some sloppy defending allowed Colls’ midfielder Bailey to fire into the top-right corner from just outside the box, with goalkeeper Greg Hall having no chance.

Nantwich reacted well as Joe Mwasile turned off his man and was able to shoot producing a fine save form point blank range.

The hosts did not have to wait long before extending their lead. Bailey again found space outside the box and curled a sensational effort past the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Hall.

Nantwich earned a lifeline on 45 minutes when a corner was blocked away to the edge of the area where Lawrie fired it back and found the net via a deflection.

Lawrie should have doubled his tally early in the second period, as his shot smacked off the bar.

Sean Cooke should have equalised for the Dabbers with 20 minutes to go, as he drilled an effort towards the bottom corner, but it hit a lump in the pitch and trickled wide.

Cooke had another good low effort at goal, but it was saved well by Cheetham.

The hosts sealed the win in stoppage time as Roberts slotted home on the break when the Dabbers were throwing everyone forward.

Nantwich: Greg Hall, Caspar Hughes (C), Matty Devine, Joe Davis, Josh Langley, Ben Harrison, Joe Mwasile (Will Saxon 90?), Matt Bell (Luke Walsh 65?), Joe Malkin, Sean Cooke, James Lawrie. Subs not used: David Webb, Troy Bourne, Kallam Boyle

Photo: Joe Malkin strides forward with the ball.

Match report written by Ryan Batty (www.nantwichtownfc.co.uk)