Atherton Collieries 0-0 Atherton Laburnum Rovers

Monday 21^st April

NWCFL Division One
Attendance: 251

Admission; £5/£3

Atherton Collieries were formed in 1916 and play their home games at Alder Street. There are two covered stands at Colls with both at the sides of the pitch. The one to the side of the dugouts is a larger seated stand and the other stand has both standing and seating.

So Bank holiday Monday brought fans the abundance of football derbies and the Flatcap derby was one of many which stood out, Atherton Collieries v Atherton Laburnum Rovers, who both play in the NWCFL Division one. With little in the league to play for, it was the Atherton pride to play for. The admission is £5 for adults and £3 for concessions which is the standard NWCFL standard so reasonably price and anticipated. On the turnstiles we also handed over the £1 for the programme with a very well designed ‘Welcome to Atherton’ front cover similar to iconic sign in Manchester which makes the presentation of the programme seem great. The programme has good content with articles from various staff from the club and good detailed stats which makes it very well priced and value.

The clubhouse is great, nice bar area which seemed very good place to spend time prior and after the game. We picked up our meat and potato pie prior to the game and all I can say was that it was nice but was a grey mush, so the presentation was not a very good representation of the pie’s taste, it’s cost was £1.60. There didn’t seem to be a huge variety on offer but at least the taste was good. The entertainment on offer for the derby game on the pitch really wasn’t great, as the traditional derby banter seemed much more entertaining. The game offered very little chances but LR could have snatched late on but for a great save from the Colls keeper.

There are many small streets outside the grounds turnstiles but there is a car park behind one of the stands so there is enough car parking to cater the larger crowds but the big derby crowd  will have just taken the short walk. Positively the ground isn’t far away from Atherton train station and is easy to find which is positive. Overall the trip was good, £4.20 return from Hyde, the game experience was good and the Admission/Programme/Pie combo was £7.60 and Alder Street is definitely a great place to watch traditional non-league football made better the sun shining.

Price: 7pts

Programme: 7.5pts

Food: 7pts

Entertainment: 6.5pts

Parking: 4pts

Staff: 3pts

Facilities: 2pts

Total Score: 37pts

Match Pictures