Manager Daniel Lafferty made wholesale changes to the line-up for the evening’s affair, with Jack Dallimore, Will Decandia and Aaron Bennett amongst those returning to the starting eleven, deservedly earning their spotlight after playing squad roles during the FA Cup campaign.

Despite concerns of a hangover effect following the lauded FA Cup run and Saturday's historic outing on the Fylde Coast, the Collieries young blood were professional from the off and soon took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Harry Forshaw in particular became the Stripes driving force, linking up well with Liam Sheppard, Freddie Gordon and Jake Lewis for the most notable of the first half opportunities.

Forshaw eventually came closest on the brink of half-time, cannoning an effort into the crossbar.

His persistence deservedly paid off moments later, and the young creative midfielder slotted home a fine through ball from Liam Sheppard, made possible by good work from Will Decandia.

Shortly after the break, Forshaw was quick to repay the favour, winning the ball with an exceptional interception in midfield and breaking into the penalty box, teeing up Sheppard for an assured conversion and the Stripes second.

With the Black & Whites entering cruise control, first team coach Matt Landregan entered the fray from the bench, and perhaps became the oldest debutant in club history at 38.

A popular figure behind the scenes at the club, “Lange” enjoyed a storied playing career with the likes of Ashton United, Radcliffe and Avro, and proved industrious in midfield throughout his cameo in the Black & White, alongside some fine creative passes to boot.

However, it was Liam Sheppard, who conversely holds the claim of likely being the Colls youngest ever appearance maker, who ultimately capped the scoring.

The relentless forward fired home a fine finish from the corner of the box, his second of the night and eighth of the campaign, after being played through by a quick Aaron Bennett free-kick.

Bennett, the Stripes skipper for the evening, could've made it four with another late free-kick, which was deflected before being tipped over the bar by the misfooted Yellows stopper.

At full-time, the Collieries squad collectively thanked and shook the hands of the small and hardy but nonetheless appreciated travelling contingent behind the goal.

The following may not have matched the half-thousand who travelled to Fylde, but the growing connection and togetherness within the club remains the same.

The Black & Whites will travel to Daisy Hill in the next round of the county competition, with details to be confirmed.

Next up, Atherton return to a packed schedule of Northern Premier League action, with a Midlands double header at Lichfield City (Saturday 24th) and Shifnal Town (Wednesday 28th).

The Colls are next in home action with a triple header to begin November, facing Prescot (Tuesday 3rd), Congleton (Saturday 7th) and Witton Albion (Tuesday 10th).