ATHERTON LR piled on the misery for their local rivals Colls with a narrow victory at Alder House.

The game was never an entertaining affair, but was played in the right spirit despite the obvious local pride at stake. Chances were at a premium throughout, but a moment of magic on 11 minutes from Ben Obong gave Phil Howard the chance to wrap up the points.

Obong, who has just returned from injury, cleverly beat the offside trap before turning the ball inside to Howard to drill home his 19th goal of the season.

Two former LR players then combined to create the first chance for the home side when big Barry Massey headed a Paul Meredith free kick just wide of the post.

Massey was again involved moments later, when his flick was volleyed just over the bar by Steve Hughes. Danny Norton then rattled the post with a snap shot on 30 minutes.

Laburnum keeper Andy Paxton made a good save from Hughes' free-kick as Colls continued their search for an equaliser.

At the other end, Paul Masher was rarely troubled, although the mobile Obong had a penalty claim turned down on the stroke of half time.

The second half was another even affair. Chris Curley had the first chance for LR, steering a Phil Howard free-kick just wide of the post.

Obong could have added a second on 50 minutes when he outpaced Chris Dalton, only to see his low shot bounce back off the upright.

In the final few minutes, Massey had a header well saved by Paxton, and Howard just failed to send Obongs cross towards goal from close range.

The result leaves Colls in trouble, one place off the relegation zone. Their only comfort, however, is that they have a six-point gap on Formby and a game in hand. Laburnum remain in 13th place.