STEVE Cunningham’s first game as manager of Colne gave him plenty of food for thought when he saw his side slip to defeat against Ashton Athletic in the North West Counties Premier Division.

The Reds made a promising start and matched their opponents in the first 45 minutes.

The second half however was a different story when Ashton pushed forward.

Chris Thompson did well to push a free kick on to the bar in the 72nd minute but Joe Hull reacted quickest to head home.