Atherton Collieries (H) \\\ Matchday Info

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• Tuesday 17th September 2024 
• 7:45pm kickoff - gates open at 6:30pm, please arrive early to avoid queuing or delays
• Lancs FA Challenge Trophy, First Round
• The Step Places Stadium, Brookburn Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 8FE
• Pay on the gate with cash or card, or buy in advance via Shocal
  • £7 adults
  • £5 students / 60+ / 16 and under
  • Free under 12s
• Dogs welcome
• Food and drink available throughout the ground
• Burritos from WrapScallion

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Preview

West are back in Cup action this Tuesday night as Atherton Collieries travel to South Manchester in the First Round of the Lancashire Trophy.  

After pushing Darlington all the way on Saturday, West host opponents from further up the non-league pyramid for the second time in a week. Atherton Collieries play one division above West following their relegation from the NPL Premier Division (Step 3) last season.

Colls have had a tricky start to their league campaign and are currently rooted to the bottom of the NPL Division One West after five games, but they did win their last match - beating Consett on penalties to progress in the FA Trophy.

The Colls have been semi-regular opponents for West since our entry into the NLS in 2012, and Paul Marshall is the fourth West manager to lead a team against them.

It's over a decade since West defeated Colls at Brookburn Road, though we did do the double over them in our first ever NWCFL season in 2012/13  - Colls returning the favour in 2015/16 and 2016/17, the last time we met in the league - but of course, more recently, there was the memorable victory in the semi-final of this competition in 2022.

West manager Paul Marshall indicated in his post-match press conference on Saturday that he is likely to make some personnel changes following the defeat to Darlington. However, he will be aware that this is a tournament that holds fond memories for West fans following the run to the final just over two years ago.. 

West received a bye in the First Round of this tournament last season before falling to a 5-1 defeat at Bamber Bridge in the Second Round.

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Atherton Colls At A Glance

Home colours: Black & white / black / black
Change colours: Green / green / green & white
Travelling distance: 14 miles
2023/24 position: 21st, NPL Premier (relegated)
2023/24 average attendance: 334

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Form Guide

West
Position: 16th of 24
Form position: 10th
Last six overall: LWWLWD
Last six home: LWLDWL

Atherton Colls
Position: 22nd of 22
Form position: 22nd
Last six overall: DDLLLL
Last six away: DDLLLL

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Past Meetings

The last meeting between the sides was one to forget for West as Colls left M21 with a 6-0 win in the 2022/23 Lancashire trophy. That win came after a good run in the tournament for West as wins over Garstang and AFC Blackpool saw the club reach the quarter-finals for the second year running.

The previous season's meeting was a far more memorable one for West fans as the sides met in the semi-final at the Leyland County Ground. West were 2-0 winners that night thanks to second-half goals from Dontai Gabidon and Rhain Davis, setting up a meeting with Southport in the final - the first final West had reached since 2013.

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Head to Head

Overall:
P9 W3 D0 L6 F11 A21

At The Step Places Stadium:
P5 W1 D0 L4 F6 A16

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Browse through our wonderful match galleries, from club photographers:
Nathan Ashmall, Chris Michell, Jack Todd and Christina Bowett.

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Directions

We encourage supporters to use public transport, cycle or walk if possible. 

By car:

There is no parking available at the ground for supporters, except for pre-booked disability access.

Please instead use Hardy Farm, M21 8DP.

Disability spaces must be accessed no later than one hour before kickoff and all vehicles will be unable to exit until 15 minutes after the final whistle to ensure the safety of all supporters leaving the stadium.

There is additional public car parking on Chorlton Ees opposite The Bowling Green pub, who are also allowing supporters to use the pub car park, but there is little other on-street parking.

Please also note that there is no parking available on Brookburn Road itself, nor the surrounding Chorltonville area, as they are privately maintained, exclusively for the use of residents.

By public transport:

The Step Places Stadium is one mile from Chorlton Metrolink station, on the East Didsbury and Manchester Airport lines. Follow Google Maps directions to find your way to the ground.

If you are travelling from outside the Greater Manchester area, the Metrolink network can be accessed from any of Manchester’s central train stations. Visit the Transport for Greater Manchester website for tram times and more information.

By cycle:

The Step Places Stadium is a perfect location for those who cycle, being located next to the River Mersey, Sale Ees and only a few minutes away from the Fallowfield Cycle Loop. We have secure bicycle racks inside the ground to lock up your bike throughout the game. Please ask a volunteer if you need assistance.

Prohibited items

Bringing pyrotechnics, drums/instruments and/or alcohol into the ground is prohibited. It is a criminal offence to bring pyrotechnics into any stadium. Stewards may conduct bag searches for prohibited items upon entrance to the stadium. Bag searches are a condition of entry and your co-operation is greatly appreciated. Spectators who break these rules may be banned from the ground and any pyrotechnics and/or alcohol will be confiscated.