ATHERTON Collieries took a major step towards the Evo-Stik West title with a 3-0 win at Runcorn Linnets.

It was second visiting third and with goals from Vinny Bailey, Ben Conway and Ian Rowlands Colls were convincing winners to overtake Radcliffe and reclaim top spot in the table.

The two sides had already met at the Skuna Stadium twice this term with Colls winning 3-2 and 4-2 in the league and the FA Trophy respectively.

Colls manager Mike Clegg made one change to the side that narrowly beat Kidsgrove Athletic in their last outing with James

Kirby replacing Conor Gaul.

A calm morning had, by 3pm, given way to rain and swirling winds, ensuring conditions were tricky to say the least.

With the elements at their backs in the first half Linnets seemed to have the lion’s share of possession.

But the visitors defended as a unit and limited their opponents to long-range efforts which rarely troubled Greg Hartley in the Atherton goal, other than forcing him into a vital punch at the far post as real danger loomed.

Colls were playing some lovely stuff without being particularly threatening until they took the lead five minutes before half time, when a galloping Gareth Peet was brought down on the edge of the box.

Bailey whipped the ball imperiously into the far right corner of the net to send the impressive Colls support into delirium.

Linnets pressed as the second half got under way but again the defence, led by Danny Lafferty, offered few clear-cut opportunities.

It took until the 74th minute before Hartley was finally beaten, by a shot that crept through a crowded penalty box.

The home faithful were already celebrating, only for Peet to appear and clear off the line.

And seconds later Colls doubled their advantage. Dave Sherlock won a 50-50 in midfield and made a simple pass to Tom Bentham.

He played in Conway and the lively winger outstripped the defence and slotted past Dylan Forth from an acute angle.

Bentham headed over a free kick before Rowlands bagged his fifth goal of the campaign to seal the win, slamming the ball home during a goalmouth scramble.

In stoppage time Colls’ two Bens almost put the icing on the cake, as Conway fed Hardcastle who blasted wide in a one-on-one situation. But they had done enough with a wonderful all-round performance, especially from the back line in the unhelpful conditions of the first half and with poised, explosive attacking play whenever the chance to advance arose.

Radcliffe’s defeat at Leek Town means Colls top the division for a third weekend of the campaign with 15 games remaining.

On Saturday Kendal Town visit the Skuna.

Kick off is 3pm.