ATHERTON Collieries are looking to pick up from where they left off as they return to league action this weekend.

Colls' last two league games were postponed so they haven't played in the North West Counties Premier since beating Squires Gate 5-2 on October 19.

In the meantime, they've won three cup games to stretch their unbeaten run to 13 matches heading into tomorrow's league match at AFC Darwen.

They then host Silsden on Monday night and manager Michael Clegg has urged his side to keep going.

“We've had a couple of games called off and then played in three different cup competitions so it's important we get some more points on the board,” he said.

“We're in some good form so we're looking forward to these two games but we need to get back-to-back wins from them, otherwise this unbeaten run will have been for nothing.”

Darwen were promoted with Colls last season and are currently 16th in the Premier Division while Clegg's men are ninth, with games in hand on all the teams above them.

“It'll be a tough one,” said the Colls boss. “One of our coaches has just left us for them and they signed a couple of our players from last season so they'll be clued up about us more than other teams.

“Their front three would also get into most sides at our level and we had three very competitive games with them last season.

“But I'm sure they're still worried about us because, if we're on it, then they'll find it hard to stop us.”

Monday's visitors Silsden are third-bottom and the Colls are back at Alder House on Friday to host Chadderton in the second round of the FA Vase.

The Oldham-based outfit are 13th in the First Division, one point and one place below Atherton LR, who beat them 3-1 in their last league game.

Rovers have since lost two cup games and are at home this weekend to ninth-placed St Helens Town.

Second-bottom Daisy Hill hope to end a four-match losing streak as they visit Rochdale Town, who are 14th.