LATE strikes from Phil Howard and Gareth Strange gave Atherton LR a flattering 3-0 opening day win over a determined Salford City side.

Paul Crompton had put LR ahead in the 45th minute of this North West Counties League First Division clash after Strange had teed him up. But Salford came close to equalising a couple of times in the second half before Howard, making his LR debut as a half-time substitute, converted Steve Settle's right-wing cross six minutes from the end.

Within 60 seconds, Strange rounded off the win, running on to Crompton's pass and rounding the goalkeeper to score.

Daisy Hill 0 New Mills 2

STACEY Wild scored two first-half goals to give NWCL Division Two new boys New Mills victory over a depleted Daisy Hill side.

Wild took advantage of some poor defending to fire past keeper Nick Baxter on the quarter-hour mark, then added a second ten minutes before the interval for the team promoted from the Manchester League.

Daisy Hill, with three players injured and four on holiday, fought back well but could not convert their chances.