The news follows the announcement in December that team-mates Danny Lafferty and Gaz Peet had committed their futures to the club, as Colls continue to plan for next season.

Smith arrived at the club in December 2018 and made the right-back berth his own, impressing everyone with his solid performances.

Battersby made the big step up from Manchester League champions Hindsford over the summer and has taken everything in his stride, earning his first contract in October and now an extension a mere three months later.

Manager Brad Cooke told http://athertoncollieries.co.uk: “I am delighted to tie these two lads down for another season. They are both very young and ambitious players that will have a very good career in football. As a club we are delighted to have this calibre of player willing to commit for next season and I am looking forward in playing a part in the players’ development. It’s exciting times as a club.”

“They have been fantastic for me since I came through the door and long may it continue.”

(Smith & Battersby are pictured with club chairman Paul Gregory)