Lacklustre Atherton Collieries fell to a deserved 3-0 defeat against a fired-up Leek Town on Saturday in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

The visitors were the first to offer a major threat on goal, prompting a strong save from Nico Defreitas-Hansen on the counter attack.

The in-form Arran Pettifer controlled the midfield and possession throughout the first half, combining with wing back Clive Smith to provide a consistent threat along the right flank.

Leek eventually made an opportunity count and took the lead. Despite the best efforts of a great initial save from Nico Defreitas-Hansen, the rebound was not cleared and was finished by the impressive Oliver Harrison.

The game was put to bed in the early minutes of the second half.

A penalty was contentiously awarded following a tight 50-50 challenge, and it was converted by Leek captain William Reeves.

The goal deflated the Collieries ranks, and Leek took the ascendancy for the remainder of the second half.

Controversy ensued following another 50-50 involving Adam Rooney and Rob Stevenson. Both players fairly contested a high ball in the middle of the park before the referee eventually awarded a harsh yellow card to the Collieries defender following the protests of the visitors.

Leek poured salt in the wounds with a late third goal. Timothy Grice forced a mistake from Nico Defreitas-Hansen, who had been playing well to keep the hosts in the game, beating the goalkeeper to tap home.

Great performances from the Leek back line provided the foundation for what was an ultimately comfortable victory.

The visitors have spent the last few seasons pushing for promotion into the Northern Premier division, and look good value to challenge yet again after Saturday’s display.

Collieries return to all-important NPL Premier Division action with the visit of Belper Town to the Skuna tonight.