Colne’s first game under caretaker manager Trevor Abraham ended in defeat despite a promising performance in the 2-0 home defeat to Irlam.

Colne started brightly and created a series of chances with Jefferson Goncalves shooting just over the bar after nine minutes and Josh Green firing just off target minutes later. And the Reds continued to dominate without finding a good finish.

At the other end, Irlam threatened with sporadic attacks and went close with Mason Everton’s deflected shot going just wide. Colne keeper Ayrton Best was in action punching away a high cross minutes later and Alex Crocker made a vital tackle to clear the ball off the toes of Jack Mitchell in the Reds penalty area on the half hour.

But Colne pressed forward as Mo Butt provided a great cross to the far post which was scrambled away by the Irlam defence under pressure and Sullivan Barker tested the visitors’ keeper with a goal-bound shot after a good build-up.

On the stroke of half time, Best made a vital save from Takura Sambizi’s shot from inside the Colne area before play switched to the other end and Jordyn Fitton saw his 20 yard free kick saved by Irlam keeper Jack Buckley.

As the second half began, it was Irlam who pushed forward and were awarded a penalty when Sambizi was brought down on his run into the Colne area. Declan Daniels converted the spot kick to give Irlam the lead on 50 minutes.

Colne had the chance for a quick reply when Goncalves found room in the Irlam goalmouth but his deflected shot was saved by the keeper. And Buckley continued to command his area to claim some dangerous crosses to deny the Reds attackers.

After 66 minutes, Irlam doubled their lead when Ethan Cartwright made a penetrating run through the Reds defence cutting in from the left wing and finding the bottom corner of the net with a low shot past the keeper. Seven minutes later, Irlam came close again when a far post header was blocked on the line before Best claimed the loose ball.

But Colne continued to work hard to reduce the deficit and after 82 minutes Blessing Igharo made a good run inside the Irlam penalty area before laying the ball back to Goncalves who saw his well struck shot blocked by defenders’ bodies in the goalmouth.