Home defeat is big blow for Atherton Colls’ survival hopes

Club legend Gareth Peet was the man of the moment, celebrating an incredible 400th appearance for the Collieries, and in all honesty he was the catalyst for his side’s best moments in the NPL Premier Division clash.

The first half was an evenly-matched affair, the Stripes enjoying the lion’s share of the possession but wasteful in the final third, Jay Fitzmartin and Marcus Cusani two particularly bright sparks.

However, Whitby were the sharper side going forward, and ultimately converted first through Connor Simpson flicking home a deftly-weighted ball from Lew Hawkins.

The second half was a different matter, the Collieries collapsing in a frustratingly all-too-familiar fashion.

The Stripes were gifted a penalty as Peet was upended following a trademark burst of pace into box. He had intercepted a rare Seasiders loose ball and was intent for glory. However a well-researched save from Shane Bland prevented a Danny Lafferty equaliser.

Whitby were quick to take advantage of the reprieve, Harry Green beating defender Adam Rooney with sharp skill before adding a second.

Green was absolute quality all afternoon. Rooney’s luck was up, as he received a second yellow card for a misjudged tackle moments later.

Daniel Rowe converted the cross from the resulting free-kick, adding a third goal.

The Stripes added consolation through Fitzmartin in the final moments, a deflected effort allowing the hosts a vital goal should goal difference come into play.

It was the youngster’s 11th of an increasingly fertile campaign, set-up by Cesaire Lingouba’s first assist for the club.

Marske United host Nantwich Town and Stalybridge Celtic this midweek, so by 10pm on Thursday, Colls boss Brad Cooke and co will know what is required in the final league game of the campaign.

That comes with Saturday’s potentially white-hot encounter at Stalybridge Celtic (3pm).