Atherton Collieries’ impassioned attempts to get a tough start to the season back on track were foiled once more during Tuesday night’s NPL Premier Division 2-1 home loss against Hyde United.

New signing Joe Adams, making his second appearance for the Colls, notched his first goal for the club to open the evenings affairs.

Jordan Scanlon showcased his increasing maturity with a smart pass to the Welsh winger, who fired home from the edge of the box to give the Stripes a deserved lead on 21 minutes.

However, with the Colls looking to extend their lead, it was the prolific Jack Redshaw who was on hand to equalise for Hyde three minutes before the interval.

A long-range shot was not adequately cleared by the Black and Whites defence, and the experienced marksman was on hand to notch against the Colls once more.

Colls men Adams, Lewis Mansell and Scanlon continued to control the game despite the setback, and Adams almost added a second to his tally with a fantastic wide free-kick that hit the bar from a difficult angle.

It became another evening of missed opportunities for the Colls, however, with a major chance squandered as Sam Waller produced a fantastic save to deny Scanlon from the penalty spot, Mansell being fouled to create the opportunity on the hour mark.

The same old story soon repeated itself, as Hyde went on to score the decisive goal within moments of the save after the hour mark.

Another blocked shot landed perfectly at the feet of Redshaw, who was more than happy to convert once more.

As the game wore on, the Colls fought tooth and nail for a deserved equaliser, with captain Jordan Fagbola joining the attack from defence alongside York City loanee Ethan Henderson reinforcing the frontline, though their efforts were to no avail as the Colls struggled to produce the killer final ball into the penalty box.

Next up, the Colls return to cup action with a trip to NPL Division One East promotion challengers North Ferriby in the FA Trophy (3pm), and will be looking for a cup run to galvanise confidence and morale within the Skuna Stadium.