COLNE'S poor NWCL second division form continued after being condemned to a 2-0 defeat at Ashton Town.

The first half passed without score despite the efforts of the visitors -

both Carl Barton and George Craddock failed to convert from inside the box with only the keeper to beat.

Ashton were equally toothless in attack and had to wait until the 44th

minute for their first attempt on goal.

Colne had the lions' share of possession in the second period however their failure to make it count cost them dear on 71 minutes as the home side broke the deadlock in the most bizarre fashion.

A 50/50 challenge 25 yards from goal between Tom Haworth and Prescott led to the ball ricocheting off the latter's shin, over the despairing Ross Baxter and into the back of the net.

From then on John Lister's men camped in the Wigan side's half in search of an equaliser yet they only conjured up one chance of note which fell to

Craddock who delayed his strike on goal just long enough for a defender to intercept.

Six minutes from time and Rhead headed home to complete Colne's misery. They had what looked like a stonewall penalty turned down in the dying moments.

ASHTON TOWN...2 COLNE...0