Four-star LR cement their place at the summit

Atherton LR maintained their status as North West Counties League First Division North leaders with a 4-0 away win at Garstang on Saturday, writes Alfie Dean.

It did not take long for LR to get ahead in the game as 17 minutes in Tom Romano scored after a good cut inside and low cross by Joe Bacon on the right.

It was the perfect start for the leaders and began a half of constant pressure.

They doubled their advantage in the 40th minute when Harvey Sample deflected an attempted clearance by Garstang’s Joel Sargent and Akim Samms poked the ball home.

The second half saw much of the same and 10 minutes in, it was 3-0.

Another fantastic run by Bacon saw him lift a cross into the box from the right to find Sample to score.

The points were wrapped up from the penalty spot five minutes from time.

Cristian Mukoko had a one-on-one situation and was brought down by the home keeper as he attempted to go around him and he dusted himself down to hammer the spot-kick into the roof of the net.

The victory gives LR a six-point cushion at the summit and it was a pleasing day all round.

Coach Andy Clough said: “Football wise it was a very good performance, we kept the ball forward and moving and created ample chances.

“We were a bit disappointed at half time being only 2-0 up, that’s nothing against Garstang we just thought we weren’t clinical enough.

“To amass 48 points at this stage of the year is a fantastic effort so far, but as Dave [Jones, manager] has said all along, we just need to keep pushing game by game.

“But we’re delighted with the three points today.”

LR are back in action tomorrow night when they host Ashton Athletic at Crilly Park in the Lancashire Cup (7.45pm).