Pre-Season Review

Colne FC have completed their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign following a varied and valuable pre-season programme that produced plenty of goals, encouraging performances and important lessons for Andy Harrison’s squad.

The Reds played six friendlies, scoring 17 goals and recording victories over Southport XI and FC United XI, alongside competitive tests against Macclesfield XI, Lostock St Gerards, Curzon Ashton and Hurst Green.

Encouraging Start Against Macclesfield

Pre-season began at Holt House with a closely fought 2-1 defeat against a Macclesfield XI.

A Colne side containing familiar faces and a number of trialists responded well after falling behind, with Barney Wiggin levelling the scores by driving through the visitors’ defence and lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

The contest remained level until Macclesfield found a winner just three minutes from time, but there were plenty of encouraging signs from the Reds in front of 191 supporters.

Lostock Provide a Competitive Test

The scheduled fixture against Padiham was cancelled, with Lostock St Gerards stepping in to provide the opposition at Holt House.

It proved to be an entertaining seven-goal contest. Jamie Walker found the net for Colne, while Luke Stowe scored twice as the Reds battled back to level the game on two separate occasions.

However, a late Lostock penalty settled the match, with the visitors leaving Holt House with a 4-3 victory. Despite the result, the game provided another competitive workout and valuable minutes for the squad.

Reds See Off Southport XI

Colne secured their first win of pre-season with an impressive 3-1 victory over a Southport XI.

Jack Holt opened the scoring after just nine minutes, heading home from Dan Ajidagba’s cross. After Southport equalised early in the second half, Holt restored Colne’s advantage before new signing Dan Jones completed the scoring with a well-struck effort from the edge of the area.

It was an assured performance from the Reds, who created numerous opportunities while also being tested by a lively visiting side.

Higher-Level Test Against Curzon

A late change to the schedule saw Curzon Ashton replace the planned trip to Middlewich Town, giving Colne the opportunity to test themselves against Northern Premier League Premier Division opposition.

Curzon struck twice during the opening 17 minutes, but Colne responded positively. Dan Ajidagba’s pressure on the visiting goalkeeper resulted in the Reds reducing the deficit, and Colne continued to threaten throughout an entertaining contest.

Curzon eventually secured a 3-1 victory, but the scoreline did not fully reflect a competitive Colne performance against strong opposition.

Seven-Up Against FC United

The standout result of pre-season came under the lights at Holt House as Colne produced an emphatic 7-1 victory over a young FC United XI.

Luke Stowe opened the scoring before Jack Banks and Dan Ajidagba put the Reds firmly in control. Miles Storey then struck twice during the second half, with Ben Horne also finding the net before providing the cross for Colne’s seventh goal in added time.

The result was reward for an energetic and clinical attacking performance. Colne created chances throughout the evening, pressed the opposition effectively and showed the finishing quality that Andy Harrison will hope to carry into the league campaign.

Final Workout at Hurst Green

Pre-season concluded with a 4-2 defeat at Hurst Green.

Miles Storey gave Colne the perfect start by scoring inside the opening minute and later added his second of the afternoon to bring the Reds back into the contest.

However, two second-half penalties helped Hurst Green secure the victory. Colne were missing several important players, but the fixture provided one final opportunity to build fitness and assess the squad before competitive football begins.

Attention turns to the league.

Results are never the sole measure of a successful pre-season. The schedule has allowed the management team to give players valuable minutes, assess trialists and new additions, develop partnerships and test the squad against a range of different opponents.

There have been clear attacking positives, particularly in the victories over Southport XI and FC United XI, while the defeats have highlighted areas that can be worked on as the season progresses.

With six friendlies completed, 17 goals scored and valuable minutes throughout the squad, preparations are now over.

The focus turns to the opening league fixture as Woolton visit Holt House.

The real work starts now.