ATHERTON Collieries moved up to fourth place in the North West Counties Premier Division with a 1-0 win at home to Ashton Athletic on Saturday.

Mark Ayres scored the only goal of the game in the 66th minute to help Michael Clegg's men record their sixth straight league victory.

The three points kept the gap to league leaders Runcorn Linnets to 12 points.

Colls have four games in hand over the table-toppers, who travel to Alder House on Saturday.

Before then, Colls have the small matter of a third-round FA Vase match at Newton Aycliffe tomorrow night to contend with.

The tie was postponed three times before Christmas due to a waterlogged pitch.