ATHERTON Collieries bowed out of the FA Cup at the second qualifying-round stage, a failure to finish their chances meaning they lost 1-0 at Ossett Town.

In their 10th consecutive away tie in the competition Mike Clegg’s men had hoped to avenge their league defeat to Ossett seven days earlier.

Colls struggled early on against a dogged Town side and were grateful to keeper Adam Reid, who saved well from Martin Pembleton’s fierce shot.

Ossett stopper Leigh Overton was also doing his bit, thwarting Gaz Peet and Ben Hardcastle.

With half time drawing near Colls conceded the crucial goal in bizarre fashion. Defending a corner, the entire Colls side seemed to switch off and Steve Ridley’s ball in somehow curled into the net, via a fortuitous bobble.

In the second half Overton again saved a Hardcastle shot and, when faced with a one-on-one, sent Iain Howard wide enough for the Town defence to track back and clear.

The chances came and went for Colls, though Reid was called upon to pull off a brilliant double save to keep their hopes alive.

The final chance came in the third minute of stoppage time when, in a chaotic melee in the area, Darhyll Mason headed over yards from goal, ending Colls' hopes of progressing.

In midweek Colls drew 1-1 at home to Bamber Bridge, Hardcastle equalising for the hosts, playing with 10 men for more than a hour following Josh Messer’s dismissal.

In the Hallmark Security League First Division Atherton LR lost 3-2 to Chadderton and Daisy Hill were defeated 7-1 by Alsager Town.