ATHERTON Collieries stand between FC United and seventh heaven.

Karl Marginson's side lead North West Counties Division One by three points after extending their 100 per cent record with a sixth win against Flixton in midweek.

Indeed, such is the Reds' dominance, Marginson is considering resting some of his players for the visit of Colls at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

"I keep telling the players what a strong squad we have, so it's about time I showed them some trust and put my faith in them," said the United manager. "But we're on a great little run and we want to keep that going."

But the visitors will not just be going to make up the numbers. The Alder House club are enjoying their best-ever start in division one, and Chris Perkins grabbed a last-minute winner against St Helens Town on Monday night to move Colls up to 10th.

Meanwhile, Atherton LR are back in FA Cup action when they take on Clitheroe in the preliminary round at Crilly Park.

In Division Two, second-from-bottom Daisy Hill are still searching for their first points of the season when they travel to Winsford.