COLNE got their FA Vase campaign off to a great start with an emphatic 5-1 win against Athersley Recreation from the Northern Counties League East.

The Reds carried on their superb league form in the cup competition - form that has seen them climb to the top of North West Counties League Premier Division.

As expected, the Reds started confidently but found themselves a goal behind after just 17 minutes.

Tom Harban took full advantage of a free kick on the edge of the area when he curled an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net to give Athersley the lead.

But Colne stuck to their task and carved out an equaliser after 25 minutes when Kenny Taylor headed home at the second attempt with the home defence under pressure.

And three minutes later, Colne were ahead. Jason Hart’s low cross into the area was only half cleared by a defender and Ben Hoskin side-footed home through a crowded goalmouth to give the Reds the lead at 2-1.

Athersley fought hard to get back on level terms but Colne added a third goal to give themselves a cushion after 72 minutes when Danny Boyle scored from close range following Hoskin’s through ball into the penalty area.

The Reds pressed home their advantage and added a fourth goal on 79 minutes when Tom Berwick’s superb low cross was side-footed home by Adam Stockdale with the home defence wrong-footed. And one minute later, Hart rounded off the scoring with a wonderful solo effort as he ran at the home defence and fired home a shot that flew like a rocket into the top corner of the net.