Colne 3 Uppermill 0

Colne got their first league win of the season with a convincing display against newcomers Uppermill at the DM Pies Stadium on Saturday. The scoresheet was blank after an even first half but the Reds found their scoring boots after the interval and fully deserved the winning margin of three goals.

In the opening stages, both sides had half chances and Kyren Leigh fired just over the Colne goal after a good run cutting in from the left wing. While at the other end, Barney Wiggin headed wide from a good cross by Miles Storey.

Colne began to take control and Sam Lloyd's through ball sent Storey on a run into the visitors' area where his shot was turned over the bar with a good save by keeper Thomas Moule after 26 minutes. Five minutes later, the Reds were awarded a penalty when Lewis Nolan was brought down on a jinking run beating three defenders but Wiggin's firm shot from the spot was well saved by Moule diving across his goal-line.

With half time approaching, Uppermill came close at the other end when a diagonal ball found Leigh in the clear at the far post and only a great save by Colne keeper Harry Turner to block his shot prevented a goal.

Colne pushed forward in the second half and took the lead after just six minutes when Storey's cross from the left wing was headed home by Mo Butt coming in at the far post. Colne continued to press and five minutes later Storey's corner kick was headed home by Wiggin in a crowd at the far post to double the Reds lead.

Uppermill looked for a quick reply and the Colne defence needed to clear dangerous crosses into their goalmouth before again taking control in midfield. And after 68 minutes, Tristan Fitzpatrick released Jamie Walker for a run into the visitors' area and his low shot found the net net off the keeper's gloves to put the Reds three goals ahead.

After 70 minutes, Wiggin was the provider as Lloyd cut in from the left wing and saw his curling shot come back off the crossbar of the visitors' goal. But at the other end, Uppermill created a series of chances. Appeals for a penalty were waved aside after 75 minutes when a high cross into the Reds area was cleared under pressure and two minutes later Turner made a point blank save to keep out Leigh's shot.

But in the closing stages, Colne looked to increase their lead with Fitzpatrick and Storey seeing shots saved by Moule on a busy afternoon for the Uppermill keeper.