Atherton Collieries finally broke their duck in NPL West with a 1-0 home win against Mossley on Saturday.

They deservedly collected the full three points for the first time this campaign, with a controlling and positive display.

The Collieries signalled their attacking intent from the off, with Will Riding returning to the starting line-up following a promising display in midweek.

And the winger was determined to make his mark with an early effort well saved by Finley Madigan, before his cross to Danny Lafferty was headed narrowly over from the resulting corner.

Calen Gallagher-Allison came the closest in the first half, the Stripes skipper heading straight into the keeper’s arms from point-blank range after a perfect cross from winger Riding.

The Black and White pressure continued through the second half, with the home defence controlling the game, while reinforcements such as Ayo Quadri, Lewis Rawsthorn and Max Bardsley-Rowe gave the hosts fresh impetus up front.

It was ultimately Quadri who produced the killer ball in injury time, producing a perfect cross for Gallagher-Allison to head home for a first win of the campaign.

Following the goal, Mossley finally gave the Collieries defence the opportunity to show their worth for the final minutes of stoppage time, and the Black and Whites met the challenge as they held on for a second successive clean sheet and a first win of the campaign.

The Collieries have another big task tonight when they travel to Hanley.

Then there is the return of Friday night football at the Dreams2Reality Stadium against Runcorn, which kick-starts a home double header with the Colls Under-18s taking on Atherton Laburnum Rovers in a Flatcap derby on Sunday.