Atherton Collieries were left to rue missed opportunities as they came unstuck in a 2-1 loss at Kidsgrove on Saturday in NPL West.

The Black and Whites were hot off the blocks and took a deserved lead through Aaron Dwyer in the 15th minute, recording his eighth goal in 13 games after powering past the Grove defence and trickling the ball home.

The hosts’ tempers did initially flared after the goal, with defender Oliver Jepson fortunate not to receive punishment for what looked like a stamp on Dwyer in the immediate aftermath, before captain Jack Bromfield received his marching orders for two bookings in quick succession moments later.

However, it only took one opportunity against the run of play for the disadvantaged Grove to equalise, with well-travelled target man Matt Rhead taking advantage of his immense physical presence to punish Colls from a corner on the brink of half time.

The Colls again controlled play after the interval, but a Kyle Diskin free-kick for Kidsgrove took a freak deflection to wrong-foot stopper Sol Honor and give the hosts the lead.

With the quality and quantity of opportunities created by Colls for the remainder of the game, many were left bewildered when an equaliser never arrived.

Kielen Adams partnered well with substitute Liam Sheppard, but both forwards were unable to take late chances, while Ethan Kershaw also threatened.

However it wasn’t to be for Michael Clegg’s men and they will hope to bounce back when they return to action on Tuesday night, with Wythenshawe FC the visitors to the Dreams2Reality Stadium.