Atherton Collieries fell to a first defeat in three games as Runcorn Linnets ran out 2-1 winners at the Dreams2Reality Stadium last Friday night.

Goals from Jack Grundy and Taylor Bowen were enough for the visitors, despite a late Alex Doyle goal which tested the Yellows’ nerves.

Linnets started brightly as a floated free-kick from Luke Wall deceived the Colls back line and found the onrushing Grundy, who powered his header past Ellis Litherland in the home goal.

The hosts responded brightly having chances through Lewis Rawsthorn and new forward signing Keilan Adams.

But they were on the end of a late sucker punch in the first half as another Wall free-kick this time found Bowen who managed to squeeze his header past Litherland from four yards out.

The second half saw an experienced Linnets side see out their victory until a late bit of excellence on the Colls right allowed the onrushing Doyle to fire the ball home on the cusp of the final whistle.

Adams’ signing was confirmed ahead of the Friday night clash.

The forward recently played for Macclesfield, accumulating seven goals for the Silkmen across two stints, having also notched 15 times for Ashton United.

In 2022, he left Macclesfield for a club record transfer fee to join Marine, for whom he scored against the Colls.

The 23-year-old has also represented Clitheroe after his release from Oldham Athletic, where he made three professional appearances as a youngster.

Adams combines physicality with pace as an offensive option, playing primarily as a number nine.

Colls boss Michael Clegg is delighted to have him on board anmd told the club website: “I signed Kielen when I was at Ashton, and also arranged for him to come to Macclesfield this summer before I left, that’s how highly I think of him.

“He is strong, quick and can score goals, he is everything you want from a number nine.

“We have a good relationship off the pitch, too, he is a great lad, he wants to play games and score goals.

“Kielen can still play higher and has time on his side, I’m hoping we can help him do that.”

As one arrives, another player has left Colls with striker Eden Bailey accepting an offer to ply his trade elsewhere in Northern Premier League football.

Clegg’s charges return to NPL West action on Saturday with an away trip to Stafford Rangers (3pm).