Congleton Town beat Atherton Collieries 4-1 in the first round qualifying of the FA Trophy on 29 August 2026. The hosts took control early and added a second-half surge to secure the victory. Atherton Collieries failed to travel to make up the numbers, despite having more possession overall.
The opening goal arrived in the eleventh minute, followed quickly by a second just three minutes later. The visitors pulled one back late in the game, but the hosts restored their two-goal advantage before the hour mark. A fifth goal capped the scoring in the ninety-minute period, leaving the result beyond doubt.
Discipline was a concern for the away side, who picked up a red card alongside three yellows. Congleton received two yellow cards but avoided any dismissals.
Atherton Collieries dominated possession at 59 per cent and registered 103 attacks compared to the hosts' 86. Yet the visitors managed only three corners against Congleton's six. The statistics suggest they had more of the ball but created fewer clear opportunities.
The result moves Congleton Town further ahead in the qualifying stages, while Atherton Collieries face an uphill battle. The home side's clinical finishing proved decisive against a side that controlled territory but not the outcome.