PLAYER manager Nigel Coates kept up his unbeaten record as Colne boss, scoring the opening goal in the process.

With only three minutes on the clock, Chris Ingham won the ball on the right and crossed for Coates to hammer home at the near post.

Scott Gizon went close and Carl Howarth brought a great save from the visitors' keeper before Howarth rounded off a fine move to slot home a second for the NWCL Division Two leaders.

Gizon went close from a James Webster corner in the second half before scoring the third after being set up by Howarth.

Damian Moran replaced Slater to make his debut for Colne and Coates nearly made it 4-0 with a fierce shot at the end of a six-man move.

A Webster free-kick tested the visitors' keeper and first Howarth and then Gavin Cooper went close.

Craig Whitaker had an impressive second game, following his transfer from Nelson, at the heart of the Colne defence.

The Reds' finished the game at a stroll. Goalkeeper Ross Baxter was not called into action during the 90 minutes.

The win puts Colne three points clear at the top going into next Saturday's League Cup game against Oldham Town at Holt House.

COLNE ...3 CHADDERTON ...0