ATHERTON Collieries ended 1874 Northwich’s eight-match unbeaten run, spoiling too a chance for Ian Street’s men to add to their lead at the table’s summit.

They had taken over top spot following a 1-0 win at Abbey Hey in midweek.

Instead Colls adapted better to a ferocious wind at Barton Stadium, even if they were lucky to take the lead when Mark Battersby’s cross was diverted into his own goal by 1874 defender Dilan Lomas.

The hosts levelled on 28 minutes, the power of his strike from the edge of the penalty area proving too much for goalkeeper Danny Taberner.

Colls edged in front again before the break, this time when Battersby kept calm to convert a penalty after captain Matthew Woolley was punished for a foul on the striker.

The league leaders struggled to make an impact in the second period, and were grateful to custodian Matthew Conkie for diverting Ben Hardcastle’s shot to safety following fine approach play by Mark Truffas.

At the other end, Taberner blocked Brandon’s header from Matthew Beadle’s assist.

But Conkie continued to star, clawing Truffas’ curling free kick out of the top corner.

However Colls made sure of a first victory against 1874 in added time when Hardcastle launched a counter attack in tandem with Jake Kenny.

The full back traded passes with Battersby before applying a finishing touch to a flowing move.

1874 | Conkie (GK), Mitchell, Lomas, Farnworth (Cawley 78), Woolley, Brandon, Connor (Hindle 70), Kirk, Beadle, Ward, Wellstead Subs not used Cookson (GK), Chappell, McNichol Goal Brandon 28 Booked Connor

Colls | Taberner (GK), Kenny, Peet, Messer, Ayres, Grimshaw, Hardcastle, Cooke, Battersby, Cover (Sherlock 61), Truffas Subs not used Wedge, Jones, Heald Goals Lomas 13 (own goal), Battersby 44 (penalty), Kenny 88 Booked Cooke, Ayres

Referee Martin Woods

Attendance 263

Additional reporting by Jack Owen