ATHERTON Collieries got revenge for a recent 3-0 league defeat at Morpeth Town in Saturday’s FA Trophy clash, beating the Northumberland side 2-1 at home to reach unchartered FA Trophy territory.

Colls had returned home empty-handed when the two sides met in mid-October but, with Josh Thompson powering in a header on the half-hour mark and Tom Bentham netting early in the second half, they progressed to the third qualifying round.

Dave Sherlock thought he had given Colls the lead inside 10 minutes of kick off on Saturday but his tidy finish was ruled out for what seemed a very harsh handball decision.

With Colls comfortable in possession, it was Thompson who broke the stalemate with a thunderous header after he rose highest to get to a dangerous a corner.

The Highwaymen had a gilt-edged chance to equalise on the stroke of half time but Sean Reid narrowly missed the target at the far post.

The lead was doubled early in the second half as Bentham outmuscled a couple of Town defenders before using his finesse and finding the far corner of the net.

Ben Hardcastle almost finished off a fine move with a third goal for Michael Clegg’s side but Morpeth shot stopper, Dan Lawson, pulled off an excellent save at his near post.

The visitors enjoyed plenty of possession, with Michael Turner seeing a goalbound effort gallantly cleared off the line and Greg Hartley proving more than equal to another couple of efforts.

They eventually pulled one back with five minutes remaining when sub Liam Henderson unerringly slotted home from the edge of the box.

Though that goal should have set up a nervous finish, with Colls facing the prospect of a seven-hour round trip for a replay in Northumberland in midweek, any lingering hopes for Morpeth evaporated when goalscorer Henderson saw a straight red for a heavy challenge on Hartley.

From that point Colls were able to see out a fine win against quality opposition and earn their place in the third qualifying round, where they will host Boston United on November 23.

On Saturday Buxton are the visitors to the Skuna Stadium for a Premier Division clash, kick off 3pm.