After coming out on top in Saturday's five-goal thriller against Ramsbottom United with a 3-2 victory, Skelmersdale United looked to secure back-to-back wins with a visit in the Integro League Cup from divisional rivals Atherton Collieries. A few changes for United saw Harry Blackburn, Bevan Burey, Sam Crook and Phil Mooney come into the starting 11 which included former Colls defender Callum Jones.

The visitors started the brighter of the two sides with former United defender Gareth Peet and Ben Hardcastle both forcing strong saves from United 'keeper Jack Sims. The first cleat threat from United came just after the half-hour mark as Andrew Owens looked to repeat his stunning free-kick from the weekend, sending a powerful shot towards goal which forced a clever tip over the bar from Adam Reid. Colls response came three minutes later after as Jordan Cover sent over a cross to Darryhl Mason who laid off to Iain Howard and the forward swept in a superb drive which flew past Sims into the top corner.

Colls lead could have been doubled a few minutes later as Peet crossed for Howard with Mason looking to head in but Sims was to come to United's rescue. The second goal did come though with two minutes left of the first half, Mason provided his second assist of the evening as he evaded two United defenders before slipping a pass through to Howard who drilled the ball past Sims.

United looked to battle back in the second half with a fair amount of possession but it was the visitors who had the ball in the next next, the effort fro Cover being disallowed for a foul in the build-up on Callum Jones. Sadly, any hopes of a United comeback were dashed with ten minutes left of the 90 as Kristian Holt sashayed through the Skem defence before shooting from close range past Sims to leave United to reflect on an early exit from the competition.

Skelmersdale United; Jack Sims, Phil Mooney, Casey Reid (Alaster Redmayne), Mike Roddy, Liam Hollett, Callum Jones, Bevan Burey, Sam Crook (James Galloway), Andrew Owens, Callum Mahoney, Harry Blackburn (Rob Bourne). Substitutes (not used); Arnie Baxendale, Razzaq Coleman-D’Graft

Atherton Collieries, Adam Reid, Chris Lynch (Brad Cooke), Gareth Peet, Danny Lafferty, Jamie Forbes, Rick Smith, Darrhyl Mason, Kristian Holt, Jordan Cover (Ashley Woods), Ben Hardcastle (Glenn Matthews ), Iain Howard. Substitutes (not used); Rob Sadler

Attendance 101