ATHERTON Collieries, without a match for over two weeks, lost a vital relegation battle game at Skelmersdale by 2-1.

Colls were gifted the lead on 27 minutes when Allcroft, in the Skem goal, inexplicably missed the ball and Mark Jones made no mistake.

The local side was made to pay for a lack of concentration two minutes later when Stuart Rudd equalised. The second half saw the home side have the bulk of possession without really looking like scoring, but disaster struck for Colls on 63 minutes when Tony Marton's shot gave keeper Alan Osborne no chance.

Colls have another difficult match again this Saturday when they have to travel to Bacup Borough.