ATHERTON Colls club secretary Paul Gregory has been delighted with what he has seen from manager Alan Lord's team thus far this season. "Lordie" has switched things back to playing five across the defensive line and that's what us supporters like to see best," says Gregory.

"We think it suits the players to a tee and the results we have had since he made the switch bear that out. The two Smith brothers, Chris and Anthony, Lee Bowles, Mark Parry and Paul Cox have been playing at the top of their game and I think we are seeing the best of them because the formation suits them so well.

"They are so comfortable with it. It was a great result for us beating Morpeth Town 2-0 in the FA Cup Preliminary Round last Saturday and then on Tuesday we saw the best performance so far this season from the lads.

"Glossop is an intimidating place to play at to say the least but our lads handled it superbly.

"To go and win 3-0 there is a fantastic result. Paul Griffin has just come back to the club after a spell with Chorley and he was simply outstanding in midfield.

"Anthony Smith got us on our way with a goal in the first half and Luke Hardman killed it off with two in the second.

"I don't think our defence was under threat once all through the game and at somewhere like Glossop that is something to be proud of.

"Although we have been drawn away in the next round of the FA Cup a week tomorrow it is a game we are looking forward to.

"We have to go to Witton Albion, who are currently third in the Unibond Division One table but we have nothing to fear at all.

"Their ground, Wincham Park, is Conference standard and our lads and supporters will undoubtedly revel in the occasion.

"Witton may have made a six game unbeaten start in the league but they struggled to beat Oldham Town, who are a division below us, in the Preliminary Round - and that was at Wincham Park!

"It's a win-win situation for us because we start as underdogs but we know we can more than match them. "We have been playing some great stuff this last week or two and it is disappointing that our crowds have been slightly down.

"Our home games have clashed with RMI's so that might be it.

"I just hope that people come along to see us whilst we are going so well because then they'll keep coming back.

"We are at home tomorrow to Cheadle Town, and that should be a good game, and then again on Tuesday to Great Harwood Town." Children's party COLLS are starting "Christmas" early for local kids and their parents with a FREE Childrens Party at the club tomorrow night. The action gets underway at 7.30pm at the Alder house clubhouse with organised childrens games, prizes, disco and refreshments available. Full details on 01942 884649.