Atherton Collieries found themselves embroiled in a second successive seven-goal thriller, but this time triumphed 4-3 to take a vital three points against Morpeth Town, writes Ben Smith.
Enock Lusiama, Lewis Thompson, Jordan Scanlon and Lewis Mansell all struck for the Colls, whilst Nic Bollado, Sam Hodgson and Fenton John did their best to secure an unlikely comeback for the visitors.
The home side were in the ascendancy for much of the first forty-five, with Mansell twice going close from early corners.
But it would be strike partner Lusiama who opened the scoring, showing great composure after an equally intelligent pass from Scanlon.
Not to be kept out of the game though, Mansell would prove the provider of the hosts’ second, setting up Lewis Thompson for his first goal in Colls’ colours.
And if Scanlon’s earlier assist had been stylish, his goal to make it 3-0 was sublime, as the midfielder’s long-range effort nestled beautifully in the top-right corner.
The only minor blemish on a fantastic first-half for David Chadwick’s men was Bollado’s stoppage-time goal, which the Morpeth striker eventually poked home following a set-piece.
A three-goal cushion would be temporarily restored as home skipper Mansell netted from the spot, having shown considerable grit to earn the penalty.
But just as those at the Skuna Stadium may have considered chalking the game up as a home win, Hodgson and then John found the net to set up a tense ending to the game.
On Saturday, Colls are again at home in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division with Gainsborough Trinity the visitors, ko 3pm.
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