Atherstone Town progressed to the next round of the league cup with a 2-0 win away at Heather St John on Tuesday night. 

Heather provided a tough test for the Adders, who secured victory in the first half thanks to goals from Lewis Collins and Ryan Quinn. 

The hosts had a series of good chances, included an effort that was cleared off the line and another that struck the bar but Mitch Thomsons side held on for the win. 

There will now be a week break until the next game, a big FA Vase game at home against Abbey Hulton United. 

Following the high of the Vase win against Boston Town at the weekend, a midweek away trip to a tricky Heather St John side would not have been high on the wish list for the Adders. Boosted by the returns of both Chris Cowley and Tyreace Brown, Atherstone tackled a tough league cup test. 

The two sides met in the competition the season prior, but the Adders came into this game in a more settled position than they had previously. Looking to carry on their good run of form, Atherstone did not take the threat posed by the hosts lightly. 

Heather had the better of the early chances, testing Finn Osborn from range and having having the majority of the attacking play. Atherstone found themselves striking mainly on the counter, as the home side had the better of the midfield exchanges. 

Lewis Collins had the Adders best effort with a low drive from the edge of the box which went just wide. Tom Smith, playing again in a deeper midfield role, put in another good shift all evening long, and became a bigger presence in the game the longer it went on. 

The deadlock was finally broken when Collins struck yet again. The forward met a cross from the left hand side with a powerful header in to the bottom corner, his tenth goal of the season already, as he continues to impress alongside strike partner Ryan Harkin. 

Minutes later, a defensive mix up allowed Ryan Quinn to get in behind the defence and one on one with the goalkeeper. Quinn made no mistakes with his finish, sliding the ball under the keeper to make it two in a flash. 

Heather responded well to the goals and could have been back in the game before the break. They saw an effort from the edge of the area strike the bar, and another cleared off the line by an Atherstone defender following a set piece. 

The half time score line and scorers were the same that they had been at the weekend, and the Adders came out in the second half looking to see this one through as well. Heather created less chances in the second forty five, but still forced Osborn into a couple of smart saves. 

Collins went close with another long distance strike, and Harkin and Cowley both had opportunities to add a third goal. Connor Gudger was adamant that he had added the third as his effort following a corner looked to have crossed the line but the linesman did not agree. Browns follow up effort struck the post, and Heather remained just about in the contest. 

Atherstone maintained control of the second half despite rotating the side and making plenty of changes, speaking volumes of the squad depth that they have this season. The Adders saw out the rest of the game professionally and left with a hard earned cup win. 

Next up for the Adders is that huge cup game against Abbey Hulton United in the FA Vase at Sheepy Road on Saturday 9th November. The next league action will see them take on Studley away on the 11th November. 

Confidence is high within the team at the minute, which is being reflected in the performances and results on the pitch. The side still needs the Adders faithful to give them that all important push for the big moments. 

Make sure you get along to cheer on the lads in an important game for the season on the 9th November, as Mitch Thomsons men look to keep the Vase dream alive!