COLNE grabbed their second away victory in two weeks with a hard working performance at Chadderton.

The win was particularly pleasing for managers Andy Lawson and Dean Grice as

several key players missed the game.

Captain Sam Hayes was suspended and midfield playmaker James Webster and leading

goalscorer George Craddock were injured.

The game got off to a slow start but Colne had the first chance when a corner from Gavin Cooper produced a chance for Richard Walton whose effort was just wide.

The first threat from the home side came after 17 minutes when a low shot from a free kick went just wide.

The Reds came more into the game with shots from Paul Barrett and Chris

Ingham before Carl Barton came close with a. overhead kick which was only inches over.

In the 43rd minute Colne were rewarded for their pressure when a corner from Cooper was headed against the bar by Morley only for Barrett to react quickest and push the ball home from close range.

Right on half time Colne extended their lead when Cooper broke on the left and beat the keeper with a low drive into the bottom corner.

The second half started with neither side able to take control but Colne had

a great chance to put the game beyond the home side when Cooper broke on the left to cross for Barton who shot just wide.

Matthew Hedgington replaced Andy Banner as Chadderton came more into the game.

Ross Baxter in the Reds' goal made his first save of the game to deny the home side but in the 80th minute Chadderton pressure paid off when from a corner Paul Dean powered home a header.

This was the signal for a furious last 10 minutes as Colne player-manager Lawson

replaced Barton.

The Reds were now forced to defend in numbers and the rearguard action was nearly breached in the last minute when Baxter failed to collect a cross only for Dean to send a header just wide of the upright.

With four points from the two-game Christmas programme and only one defeat

in six the Reds can look forward to the New Year with optimism.

Colne entertain Blackpool Mechanics at Holt House on Saturday.

CHADDERTON...1 COLNE...2