IT was a match for the football purist at Andrew Street in Chadderton on Saturday as Atherton Collieries scraped a 2-1 victory to lift them up to second in the NWCFL Division One table.

The afternoon will be remembered for a poor playing surface which allowed little football to be played, while the referee was keen to produce cards at any given opportunity.

Atherton took the lead on four minutes when Kieran Halliwell glanced the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

Clive Best equalised when he capitalised on a defensive error by Atherton.

Aaron Cringle was sent off for retaliating to a poor challenge.

The winning goal came seven minutes from time when a short corner allowed Peet to storm into the area where he was brought down right in front of the referee.

Without hesitation a spot kick was awarded, and Peet duly converted into the bottom left hand corner to secure the three points.

Elsewhere, Atherton Laburnum Rovers lost 3-1 at home to Darwen in the third meeting between the two sides this season.

The Crilly Park side found themselves behind after just six minutes when Bobby Langford finished past Josh Harris.

Ryan Steele doubled the Salmoners lead five minutes later before Stephen Lee added a third on 66 minutes.

Jordan Cover pulled back a consolation goal on 87 minutes for the home side. The result sees LR stay in sixth place, 11 points behind their town rivals having played four matches more.

Daisy Hill and Atherton Collieries are in action on Tuesday night as they switch their attentions to the prestigious Lancashire Cup.

Daisy are away to AFC Fylde whilst Colls face an equally tricky task as they face Chorley at Victory Park; the first meeting between the two sides since 1984.