ATHERTON Collieries all but sealed promotion from the North West Counties First Division on Saturday with a 3-0 win at home to Northwich Flixton Villa.

Michael Clegg's side have a vastly superior goal difference to third-placed Hanley Town, who can still draw level with them if they win their remaining six games.

But they will be mathematically certain of promotion if they claim a point in today's "flat cap" derby at neighbours Atherton LR.

Colls made it 25 wins from 27 league games this season after Mark Battersby's quick-fire brace – in the 54th and 58th minutes – added to a first-half opener from Matt Boland.

They remain second in the table behind Cammel Laird, but with games in hand over the leaders the Alder Street men need to win just five of their remaining eight games to be crowned champions.

Daisy Hill were unable to build on last week's heroic 3-2 victory at Eccleshall as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat at home to Irlam, leaving them eighth in the table, three points shy of the play-off spots.

Craig Thomas' side are not out of promotion contention, however, with matches to come at home to fellow play-off hopefuls Holker Old Boys and Barnton offering a chance to make a late run into the top six.

Atherton LR's faint hopes of competing past the regular season were dealt a huge blow by a 1-0 defeat at relegation-candidates Wigan Robin Park, who scored the only goal of the game in the 80th minute.

Ross McNair's side have now fallen to 11th place, six points outside the play-off places and with a difficult clash against champions-elect Colls today that could end any remaining promotion aspirations.