- Atherton Collieries average 1.40 goals scored and 3.00 goals conceded per away match across all competitions this season.
- Atherton Collieries have won 4 and lost 6 of their last 10 matches across all competitions.
- Trafford have won 3 and lost 2 of their last 5 across all competitions.
Trafford can take The North
Atherton have been more inconsistent than Trafford over the last few weeks and it may be best to oppose them in this one on that basis. Trafford are on a two-match winning streak and back-to-back cup wins ought to have them well up for this one.
Atherton did well to bounce back from a 4-1 away defeat to Congleton Town in the FA Trophy Qualification 2026 with a 3-2 away win over Northwich Victoria and a 2-0 home victory against Prescot Cables in the FA Cup Qualification 2026.
However, it's hard to fancy them against Trafford on Saturday. Colls average 1.40 goals per away game and concede an average of 3.00 goals, suggesting that this could be open if they play like that again.
Both teams have a different style
Trafford have looked much more efficient in the final third in the last couple of games, scoring two goals away at Heaton Stannington and three at home to Bamber Bridge in the FA Cup Qualification 2026, while Atherton are much more of a front-foot, possession-based side.
The visitors like to play wide, work the ball into the box and put pressure on their opponents to try and induce a mistake. Trafford are more direct, with midfield players running at the opposition, wide play and a set-piece threat doing much of the damage, which could make this a competitive cup tie.
However, Trafford are probably the sharper tool if Atherton overcommit and the hosts have the momentum behind them after back-to-back wins. Trafford are yet to win at home this season, but they have only played 1 game there across all competitions, so they still have something to prove to their own fans.
On the evidence of Atherton's recent away performances, they will be exposed and we are backing Trafford to nick it at Shawe View. Home advantage and recent form give Trafford the edge and they are a decent bit of value at 53/50.
