A DOMINANT ninety minutes saw Atherton Collieries run out comfortable 4-0 victors over visitors Clitheroe, taking advantage of the inactivity of title rivals Radcliffe to move four points clear at the top of the Evo-Stik League Division One West.

Colls went in front in just the fourth minute of the game, Gareth Peet dispatching a spot kick, despite the efforts of Clitheroe goalkeeper Ben Purdham, who got a hand to the ball as it headed towards the bottom right hand corner.

Tom Bentham had a clear opportunity to double the lead on 20 minutes, firing wildly over the crossbar after Ben Hardcastle led a keen Colls breakaway, but Michael Clegg’s side needed to wait only a further seven minutes before claiming a second goal.

There seemed to be little danger as Jordan Cover received a tricky bouncing ball with his back to goal twenty five yards, but he brought it under control on the turn and unleashed an unstoppable strike in to Purdham’s top right hand corner.

A third goal arrived on 36 minutes, Connor Hughes’ left-sided cross being deflected in to the path of Hardcastle who diverted a scruffy left foot strike past Purdham.

Having led the line in imperious fashion all afternoon, Tom Bentham got the goal that his performance deserved, on 61 minutes.

Colls have a trip to face basement side Skelmersdale United at their temporary Prescot Cables home next Saturday (20 April, 3pm) before Trafford visit the Skuna Stadium on Easter Monday ahead of a final day trip to Newcastle Town (27th April, 3pm).