A THIRD-MINUTE Tom Bentham goal sent Atherton Collieries to the top of the Evo-Stik West table with a 1-0 win at Leek Town.

Colls will have felt they had a point to prove after a meek midweek performance at Garstang which ultimately led to a penalty shootout defeat in the Lancashire Challenge Trophy.

They responded magnificently to Michael Clegg’s demand to restore pride in the badge.

The hosts were the 127th unique league opponents since Colls joined the pyramid in the early seventies and Clegg’s side went into the game knowing if they won their games in hand they would top the league.

A closely-fought encounter was anticipated and that is exactly how it played out.

The match-winning strike was excellently executed by in-form target man Bentham.

From the edge of the box he whipped the ball into the far corner of the net following good hold-up play from Jordan Cover.

Ben Hardcastle rattled the advertising hoarding from distance and Danny Lafferty nodded a far-post effort over the bar from a pinpoint Vinny Bailey free kick.

Leek were keeping the ball very well but never really looked likely to test Greg Hartley in the visitors’ goal.

Colls created more openings, with Bentham narrowly prodding wide after yet more good build-up before a galloping Dave Sherlock excursion into foreign territory ended with him smashing over.

Leek had much more of the ball in the second half, playing some quality football as they looked to find an equaliser.

However the Colls’ rearguard was disciplined in the resolve to keep a precious clean sheet. The team defended from the front and the hosts struggled to create many clear openings.

Their best opportunity to get back on levels terms came with 15 minutes remaining. When a cross came in a rare Hartley spill allowed a half-chance which, fortunately for Colls, was bicycle-kicked off target.

Comfortable at the back, Colls were content to play on the break and though they did not add to their tally they saw out a welcome victory.

With little more than a third of the campaign completed Colls sit at the top of the Evo-Stik West table for the first time in their history.

Nobody at the club will be under any illusions all the hard work has been done.

On Saturday that hard work continues with a home clash against Droylsden.

Kick off is 3pm.