Atherton Collieries suffered a 2-1 NPL Premier Division defeat away to Nantwich Town on a frustrating afternoon in Cheshire.

Scott Bakkor struck early to give the Colls the lead, but Dan Cockerline and Troy Bourne reversed the game for the hosts, with Jay Fitzmartin sent off in the second half.

Colls got off to a flying start, Luca Defreitas-Hansen’s long ball finding Bakkor, who beat two defenders before slotting home on six minutes.

More chances followed and Brad Cooke’s side really should have been cruising, Danny Lafferty nodding into the keeper’s arms and Fitzmartin also denied from close range.

However, Colls were punished before the break with Nantwich’s first chance of the game, Tom Scully’s free-kick bundled home by Cockerline as Colls failed to clear their lines.

Play continued in the same vein in the second half, Fitzmartin squandering a golden opportunity for Colls as he fired over from Bakkor’s cross with the net gaping.

Fitzmartin was controversially dismissed on the hour-mark following a 50/50 with Nantwich keeper Tom Booth, with both players making contact challenging for a loose ball.

The red card proved to be the turning point, with Nantwich captain Bourne heading the hosts in front with 10 minutes remaining - one of the home side’s few chances on the day.

Colls had a chance to salvage a draw deep into stoppage time, Bailey Thompson squaring to Bakkor, whose effort was denied by the legs of Booth to cap a frustrating afternoon.

Tonight, Colls host Warrington Rylands in the league (7.45pm).