A HAT-TRICK from Phil Howard helped Atherton LR a record-breaking third Goldline Trophy victory against plucky Eagley at the Reebok Stadium.

The semi-pro outfit looked to be coasting to victory after leading 3-1 midway into the second half, but West Lancs side Eagley pulled the scores level.

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Howard proved the difference, grabbing two goals in the final two minutes to secure the trophy.

An impressive 1,500 fans watched a fast and furious start to the game, as Eagley took a second-minute lead through Daniel Hamer, who smashed Liam Carr's cross past Andy Paxton.

Seven minutes later, Ben Obong was brought down in the area and Howard stepped up to blast the ball low past Mark Warren.

Steve Settle curled a free-kick just over the bar before Atherton took the lead when Mark Westworth climed above the Eagley defence to head home.

The Crilly Park men should have extended their lead, and would have done so on the stroke of half time had it not been for a marvellous fingertip save from Westworth's drive by Warren.

Straight from the restart, Carl Grimshaw fired a gilt-edged chance wide of the mark for Eagley, and they were made to pay immediately.

The tricky Ben Obong played a fine one-two with Howard before curling a shot past Warren and inside the far post.

Atherton should have been home and dry, but Eagley mounted a superb comeback.

No sooner had Grimshaw seen another one-on-one chance saved by Paxton, when Liam Carr rose to head the corner home from close range.

A quick counter attack on 62 minutes saw Grimshaw finally get his reward when he stabbed home Carr's left wing cross.

The game was destined for extra time until a moment of magic from Howard on 88 minutes. Cutting in from the left side, he curled a brilliant right-footed shot into the top corner to beat Warren.

Two minutes later, Karl Bancks was sent off for a professional foul on Obong, and Howard drove the free-kick low through the wall into the back of the net.