ATHERTON Colls have received the official 'thumbs up' for NWCL Division One football.

The Alder House ground was accepted by members of the Ground Grading Committee for promotion into the top flight. In a marvellous effort behind the scenes, all the required work, a total list of 19 points, was completed on time.

Delighted Club Chairman Steve Payne says: "There was one little thing that we'd forgotten, but other than that everything was okay. It's really fantastic for us because the lads have done it out on the field and we have made sure they will get their reward." "The League Secretary Mike Darby officially congratulated us and told me that only two things in the league have been confirmed so far and that it that ourselves and Vauxhall GM will be in Division One next season."

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