A goal early in the second half for visitors Kidsgrove settled a close affair and ruined the much anticipated homecoming of Atherton Collieries boss Michael Clegg.

It was a first competitive fixture at the Dreams2Reality for Colls in more than a month and Kidsgrove started the game brightly playing up slope.

Burly target man Matt Rhead found a yard of space and unleashed a shot that Ellis Litherland managed to control with a good save to his left before Colls got a foothold in the game and created a few chances with Tom Bentham shooting wide with the most clear-cut effort in a goalless first period.

The vastly-experienced Rhead got himself on the scoresheet soon after the interval when he nodded past a helpless Litherland from close range.

The hosts did their level best to get back on parity including introducing a quintuple of replacement’s at the same time -a club first for sure. Debutant Ayo Quadri was harshly denied a penalty and in a double whammy subsequently cautioned for diving. The decision would likely have gone the other way anywhere else on the paddock.

Colls continued to probe and a succession of crisp passes saw Alex Doyle break in behind, but a vital touch by Grove custodian Kieran Harrison repelled the danger.

The visitors saw the game out and Clegg’s crew trudged off disappointed, but with the full backing of the excellent home support.

Colls host Newcastle Town in NPL West tomorrow (7.45pm).